Conductor Antonio Pappano, music director at the Royal Opera House, has been given a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours List.
Following the announcement, Pappano said: ‘I am astonished but hugely honoured by this news. I am so grateful to the Royal Opera House for providing me with a platform to make music and drama with a world-class orchestra and chorus.’ Tony Hall, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said Pappano was a 'conductor who understands the singing voice like no other'.
Other musicians to have been recognised include composer and founder of the New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, who was given an OBE and composer John Metcalf, who was made an MBE. Ralph Allwood, who was until recently precentor and director of music at Eton College, received an MBE.
Many local musicians were also recognised for their work with music in the community.
Elizabeth Davis