Sir Thomas Allen receives RCM Honorary Doctorate

Wednesday 15 July 2015

The Royal College of Music is delighted to have awarded alumnus Sir Thomas Allen with an Honorary Doctorate.

The award was conferred by the RCM Chairman, Professor Lord Winston, at the RCM’s annual graduation ceremony in the Britten Theatre on 10 July 2015.

Sir Thomas Allen is an established star of the great opera houses of the world and one of Britain’s most renowned baritones, having performed over 50 roles at the Royal Opera House since he studied at the Royal College of Music in the 1960s.

At the ceremony Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM, stated: ‘During the early years of his career, Gramophone magazine decreed him to be “The best British lyric baritone singing in opera since the war”. As we look back on Sir Thomas Allen’s exceptional career one can only agree that their estimation was entirely correct.’

Upon receiving his award, Sir Thomas gave a speech in which he encouraged today’s graduates to look beyond music during their careers:

The day also saw Fellowship of the Royal College of Music (FRCM) conferred upon internationally acclaimed oboist and esteemed RCM professor of woodwind John Anderson. Also an RCM alumnus, John's impressive career has included positions with the Suisse Romande Orchestra in Geneva, BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Photos from the 2015 RCM Graduation can be viewed on our Flickr page, and full footage of both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate ceremonies can be viewed on the RCM website.