The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) in partnership with Classical Music magazine has announced the winners of this year’s ABO/Classical Music Awards. Presented by Classic FM presenter Anne-Marie Minhall and ABO Interim Chair Jenny Jamison, the awards event took place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on the first night of the 2023 ABO Conference.

The ABO/Classical Music Award for Artist Manager of the Year went to Askonas Holt CEO, Donagh Collins, while Cadogan Hall managing director, Adam McGinlay won the award for Concert Hall Manager of the Year and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra CEO, Dougie Scarfe received the award for orchestra manager of the year. A surprise special orchestra manager commendation was also given by ABO and Classical Music to Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra artistic planning director for Orchestra and Ensembles, Sandra Parr.

The annual ABO Award was awarded to outgoing BBC Radio 3 controller Alan Davey, who was recognised for his work championing orchestral music, and his support for the BBC’s orchestras. A posthumous award was also presented for pianist and conductor, Lars Vogt, who died in September 2022 aged 51. The award was collected on his behalf by his agent, Askonas Holt director, Celia Willis.

The annual ABO Conference is currently in progress in Leeds, hosted by Opera North in the company’s newly refurbished Howard Assembly Rooms. The conference is also being streamed online this week (1 – 3 February) and will explore issues affecting the industry including diversifying the workforce, coping with the cost of living and building future resilience and sustainable audiences.