Sir Charles Groves’ Prize awarded to Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE

Making Music’s Sir Charles Groves’ Prize awarded to Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, co-founders of jazz development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors

The prize is awarded every two years to an individual or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of the UK.

It was first presented in 1990 in honour of Sir Charles’ 75th birthday. He was not only a remarkable conductor, but a tireless advocate of for music-making at every level — from the concert hall to the community hall.

Making Music, which Sir Charles served as President, continues that mission today. We are the UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music groups, supporting over four thousand choirs, orchestras, bands, and promoters.

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'.

The prize was presented by Making Music trustee Will Prideaux, Director of Peterborough Sings! at Tomorrow’s Warriors Extraordinary Summer Showcase at the Southbank Centre on Sunday 3 August.

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.’

For more information contact nazia@makingmusic.org.uk or indy@indypendentpr.com at Tomorrow’s Warriors.
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Notes to editors

Since 1935, Making Music has championed leisure-time music groups across the UK with practical services, development opportunities and by providing a collective voice for its members. We represent over 4,000 groups, from choirs to big bands, choral societies to amateur orchestras, brass and concert bands, folk ensembles, samba and drumming groups, volunteer promoters, and much more. These groups comprise around 240,000 hobby musicians of all types, genres and abilities. makingmusic.org.uk