THE QUEEN'S MEDAL FOR MUSIC

The Queen's Medal for Music rewards an individual who has had a major influence on the musical life of the nation.

Winners of this annual award may be of any nationality but they must have had a major influence on the musical life of the UK.

The nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee under the chairmanship of the Master of The Queen's Music.

The Queen presents the medal in person on or around 22 November, St Cecilia's Day (St Cecilia being the patron saint of music). This is also the birthday of Benjamin Britten.

The medal was designed by Welsh artist, Bethan Williams, and includes on the reverse three figures representing composition, song and instrument.  The edge of the medal bears the legend "What passion cannot music raise and quell", taken from John Dryden's poem, A Song for St. Cecilia's Day.

The award was first made in 2005 to the conductor Sir Charles Mackerras.

The singer Bryn Terfel was the recipient of The Queen's Medal for Music in 2006, and on 13 December 2007 Her Majesty presented the Medal to the composer, Judith Weir.