Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, saw its annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, raise over £750,000, with the late George Michael’s personal Bechstein piano selling for £200,000 at the event’s charity auction. The ceremony also saw a number of new and established artists celebrated at the event, including Frankie Valli, Jools Holland, Kano, YUNGBLOOD and more.
Presented by Edith Bowman for the fourth year running, the O2 Silver Clef Awards are held to recognise and celebrate the talent of the winning artists and the impact of music on all members of society. Since 1976, the awards have raised over £11 million for Nordoff Robbins and honoured some of the most iconic names in music.
Nordoff Robbins’ music therapists use music to connect with some of the most isolated people in our society - working with children and adults affected by life-limiting illness such as dementia, learning disabilities including autism, physical disability and mental health issues. Its music therapists work with over 270 schools, hospitals, hospices and care homes, as well as providing sessions from its centres across the UK.
George Michael’s personal Bechstein Grand piano, which raised £200K after guests enjoyed a performance of Cowboys and Angels by talented pianist Derek Paravicini, who is both blind and autistic. The piano was donated by Michael’s estate to continue the star’s career-long association with the music therapy charity. In 1989, Michael was honoured with the Silver Clef Award for his outstanding contribution to UK music. When he received his award that year, during the charity auction, he bid a substantial sum for a guitar before immediately handing it straight back to be auctioned again the following year.
Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff Robbins said: “We are thrilled to honour such talented artists and welcome our friends and supporters back to this incredibly special event. I’d like to thank George Michael’s estate for their generosity in donating his personal piano. We couldn’t put on our annual awards without the amazing support of the music industry who help us year in, year out, so that we can continue our vital work with vulnerable and isolated children and adults. I believe that music is a superpower – it can connect everyone with their human potential and dignity regardless of profound disability, illness or society excluding them. Quite simply – in an unpredictable world, music matters, and we are grateful to everyone who donated today.”
Gareth Griffiths, director of partnerships and sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “It was great to see the return of the O2 Silver Clef Awards with so many incredible artists under the same roof. There were so many worthy winners and, as partners of Nordoff Robbins, we were so pleased to see so much money raised which will go a long way to help them continue the amazing work that they do through music therapy.”
This year’s Outstanding Contribution award went to Peter Gabriel, while Frankie Valli received the American Express Icon Award. Jools Holland picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award, presented by Nitin Sawhney in recognition of his influential career, while dance-pop star Becky Hill received the award for Best Female. Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker took home Best Male, presented by his grandmother Sadie; Indie-pop trio London Grammar picked up the award for Best Group; and pop-punk artist YUNGBLUD was awarded Best Live Act by Edith Bowman.
Grime pioneer and British rapper Kano won the Innovation Award, presented by Fraser T Smith, while Electro pop singer-songwriter Griff won the award for New Music, presented by Harriet Rose.
Nigerian singer and producer Tems won the International Award, presented by Glyn Aikins and Riki Bleau of Since ‘93 Records, whilst classical soul pioneer, pianist Alexis Ffrench picked up the Classical Award from Angellica Bell.