The leading countertenor James Bowman is to receive an honorary award from the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).
Dr Bowman is one of a handful of international musicians to receive a Fellowship (FRSCM) for services to church music of international significance, along with others nominated to receive associateships and honorary membership. They will receive their awards at a special service in Exeter Cathedral on June 16th 2012.
James Bowman is being honoured for an outstanding contribution to the world of church music spanning more than 40 years. His singing career began as a chorister at Ely Cathedral and in collegiate choirs in Oxford, before developing to becoming a world class singer in both sacred and secular music. Lindsay Gray, the Director of the RSCM and himself a countertenor says, “James has been a trailblazer as far as promoting the countertenor voice is concerned, which is a key element in much sacred music. He has been a true inspiration to many singers including myself, and he has gladly offered his considerable vocal support to choir schools and choral traditions.”
Others nominated to receive Fellowships for services to church music include two cathedral musicians from the UK. They are Paul Trepte, Director of Music at Ely Cathedral since 1990, and Professor David Saint, who has been Director of Music at St Chad’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Birmingham since 1978.
Church musicians from the UK, USA, Australia and South Africa are also being honoured with fellowships, associateships and honorary membership. There are also Certificates of Special Service, awarded for services to the RSCM in their local area. Commenting on the 2012 awards, Lord Gill, Chairman of the RSCM says, “Church music is blessed with some extraordinary musicians whose commitment is remarkable. The RSCM always wishes to honour those whose efforts deserve recognition, but they are only a few among many.”
Honorary awards are presented at the annual RSCM Celebration Day service, which takes place in a different cathedral each year. This brings together church musicians from the area, with singers from local RSCM affiliated churches forming a massed choir. The next Celebration Day will take place in Exeter Cathedral on 16th June 2012. James Bowman has agreed to sing at the service.
The full list of awards will be posted on CNI next week.