Sir John Rutter is composer of numerous carols and anthems, as well as founder of the Cambridge Singers

Photo: RPO

Changing Faces

Composer named orchestra’s ‘artist laureate’ ahead of 80th birthday concert

Arts Professional
1 min read

Composer Sir JOHN RUTTER has been named artist laureate by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), ahead of his birthday.

The arranger and conductor, who marks his 80th year on 24 September, is one of three appointments made by the London-based orchestra as it looks towards its 2025/26 season launch at the Royal Albert Hall later this month.

Rutter, whose “special bond” with the orchestra sees him receive a celebratory birthday concert on 5 November, at St Paul’s Cathedral, joins Finnish conductor EMILIA HOVING as a fellow new recruit.

Hoving is to become an RPO associate conductor this season, in a tenure designated to last three years.

Meanwhile, KEVIN JOHN EDUSEI takes on the mantle of conductor-in-residence at Cadogan Hall, as the venue welcomes the RPO as its visiting music ensemble.

RPO managing director SARAH BARDWELL said the organisation was “thrilled” to welcome the trio as it prepared to launch “another milestone UK season”.

“The diversity of talents and specialism across our artistic leadership continues to deliver exceptional artistic excellence and supports our work to broaden access to orchestral music at all levels, further inspiring our inclusive approach,” she said.