The Sir Charles Groves Prize, established in 1990, recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual or organisation has made to the musical life of the UK. The prize honours the remarkable contribution of Sir Charles as a conductor and as a tireless advocate for music-making at every level - from the concert hall to the community hall. Sir Charles served as president of Making Music, and the prize was launched to mark the renowned conductor's 75th birthday.
Latest winners: Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, co-founders of jazz development organisation Tomorrow's Warriors
The Board’s choice for the 2024 Sir Charles Groves Prize was unanimous. This award celebrates two extraordinary people: Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, the co-founders of Tomorrow’s Warriors.
Back in 1991, Crosby and Irons were determined to transform the UK jazz scene, championing equity and diversity in music, and opening the doors of jazz to young people who might never have imagined it could be part of their lives. They have done that and so much more.
Tomorrow’s Warriors has nurtured generations of musicians, creating a space where talent can grow, where women can be seen and heard as instrumentalists and composers, and where young people from all kinds of backgrounds can pick up an instrument and see a future in music.
As Richard Williams (The Blue Moment) put it, “No single organisation has exerted a more profound or beneficial influence on jazz in Britain than Tomorrow’s Warriors.”
Barbara Eifler, Chief Executive, Making Music, said:
‘I am delighted that Making Music is able to shine a light on two people who have truly made a difference to the musical life of the whole of the UK – based in London, but nurturing, supporting and developing whole new generations of young people, providing opportunities and inspiration which have rippled across the UK nations into the professional jazz scene and beyond.’
Janine Irons OBE, Chief Executive, Tomorrow’s Warriors, said:
‘A massive thank you to the Making Music Board for awarding us the 2024 Sir Charles Groves Prize that recognises Gary and me as making a significant contribution to the musical life of the country.
It means so much to receive such high recognition from a wonderful grass roots music organisation dedicated to empowering people, whatever their background or experience, to come together in their community to make or present music. Like us, they too are at the coal face, so they know how tough this work is.’
Dr Gary Crosby OBE, Artistic Director, Tomorrow’s Warriors, said:
‘Sir Charles was noted as a conductor for taking on large scale works, most notably the complete cycle of Mahler’s symphonies. When we set up Tomorrow’s Warriors 34 years ago, we had no idea that it would grow to impact the lives of some 15,000 young musicians - almost Groves-ian in scale!
Receiving this award highlights just how important it is to democratise access to music and music education for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstance. Thank you.’
The prize was presented on Sunday 3 August 2025 by Will Prideaux, Making Music trustee and Director of Peterborough Sings!, at Tomorrow's Warriors Extraordinary Summer Showcase at the Southbank Centre in London.
Past winners
2022: Charles Hazlewood, conductor and founder of the Paraorchestra
2020: Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE and Professor Martin Ashley
2018: Take It Away
2016: Sir Karl Jenkins
2014: Nicola Benedetti
2013: Darren Henley
2012: Gareth Malone
2011: Sing Up
2010: Sir Colin Davis
2009: Larry Westland CBE
2008: Susannah Simons and Roger Wright
2007: Howard Goodall
2006: Glastonbury Festival for Contemporary Performing Arts
2005: Gavin Henderson
2004: Clive Gillinson
2003: Christopher Bell
2002: The Lindsays
2001: Philip Langridge
2000: Edinburgh International Music Festival
