Dame Sarah Connolly has been presented with The King's Medal for Music by HRH King Charles III in a private audience at Windsor Castle. The Medal - formally The Queen's Medal for Music - is awarded annually to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation. The nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee chaired by the Master of The King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen, who was also present at the audience and has composed works especially for Dame Sarah to perform.
Dame Sarah was awarded the medal in 2023, but she has had to wait until now to receive it since the medal bearing the new King's image had first to be commissioned and then minted by Worcestershire Medal Service, medallists by appointment to His Majesty.
Dame Sarah says:
“Receiving the King’s Medal from His Majesty King Charles at a time when musical education in State schools is at its lowest ebb encourages me to keep pressing politicians to take notice of the vital importance of artistic education in the school curriculum. The King has generously created a far-reaching music hub in Dumfries House, Scotland through his Foundation and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I find His Majesty’s commitment to music in schools and the community deeply inspiring.”
