RCO Medal awarded to distinguished musicians

The Royal College of Organists is to recognise the achievements of three distinguished musicians by awarding them its highest honour, the RCO Medal.

The recipients of the RCO Medal in 2020 are:

• Prof. Davitt Moroney, in recognition of distinguished achievement as an organist, harpsichordist and musicologist;
• Mr Daniel Roth, in recognition of distinguished achievement as an organist, pedagogue and composer; and
• Dr Judith Weir CBE, in recognition of distinguished achievement in organ and choral composition.

The honorands will receive the RCO Medal at the College’s Conferment of Diplomas at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 7th March 2020.

The Medal of the Royal College of Organists (‘The RCO Medal’) recognises distinguished achievement in one or more of the following areas relating to organ and choral music: performance, teaching, scholarship, composition, organ-building, conducting, administration, and philanthropy; it is also available to recognise specific service to the College.

RCO President Gerard Brooks said: “This year’s honorands have enjoyed international acclaim in their respective fields for many years and it is an honour for the College to acknowledge their many achievements by awarding them the RCO Medal.

“Prof. Davitt Moroney is an outstanding ambassador for keyboard music. He is an expert organist and harpsichordist, and his many award-winning recordings of composers such as William Byrd, François Couperin and J. S. Bach have marked him out as a consummate practitioner and scholar. He has influenced many through his exquisite music making, ground-breaking scholarship and inspired teaching.

“Daniel Roth has been at the heart of French organ culture for many decades. The Titular Organist of St Sulpice in Paris since 1985, Mr Roth continues in the tradition of his famous predecessors, as a compelling interpreter and improviser, and as an influential pedagogue and composer for his instrument. His concert programmes thrill audiences across the world, and as a recording artist and composer he has been rightly acknowledged with number of accolades.

“Master of the Queen’s Music Dr Judith Weir has captured the imaginations of countless performers and listeners with her orchestral music and stage works, and has added a distinguished body of commissioned organ and choral works to the repertory. The recipient of many awards, she has recently been working as Associate Composer to the BBC Singers, a relationship which has brought about two new major choral works.

“The Conferment Ceremony in March will offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate such endeavours alongside the achievements of the College’s members who have been successful in recent diploma and certificate examinations.”