Errollyn Wallen CBE becomes new President of The Royal Society of Musicians

Errollyn Wallen (KC 1999) has been appointed President of The Royal Society of Musicians to succeed Dame Judith Weir (KC 1973).

One of the most widely acclaimed contemporary composers, Errollyn was the first woman to win an Ivor Novello Award for a body of classical work, and the first black woman to have a composition played at the BBC Proms. Her music, often inspired by the River Thames, has been performed at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Paralympic Games, as part of the 2022 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service, and even played in outer space.

She has established herself as a composer of international stature, a pianist and vocalist, a broadcaster and communicator and as a teacher and enabler of other musicians. The Royal Society of Musicians looks forward to the next stage in its long history under her Presidency, which marks the third successive Master of the Queen's/King's Music to hold the position, following Dame Judith and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies CH CBE.

Upon taking up the role of President, Errollyn said:

I am delighted to be succeeding Dame Judith Weir as President of The Royal Society of Musicians which provides such valuable support to musicians who are unable to work through accident or illness. I look forward to fulfilling my role and supporting this amazing charity in its vital and significant work for the musicians of the UK.

Speaking upon the completion of her Presidency, Dame Judith said:

It has been one of the great honours of my life to represent RSM as its President during the last decade. The Society is exceptionally well administered, and completely focused on its main charitable purpose. It is highly professional and yet instantly responsive to any musician who needs its help. I have found it enriching to better understand the changing landscape of musicians’ lives via RSM’s all-round view of our profession. I am therefore delighted that Errollyn Wallen CBE will now assume the role - we are all indeed fortunate that this inspirational and generous composer has agreed to take over RSM’s Presidency in the coming years.

The Royal Society of Musicians is the UK’s oldest music charity, set up in 1738 to support musicians in need. Today, it provides financial assistance, advice and guidance to music professionals across the UK who are unable to work due to physical or mental ill health. Open to all music professionals, it supports performers, teachers, technicians, administrators and everything in between, whatever genre they work in. RSM provides grants for physical and emotional therapies, access to specialist practitioners and short-term living expenses.