Sir James MacMillan and The Cumnock Tryst wins the Sky Arts Award for Classical Music
/Last Night (Tuesday 17 September), Sir James MacMillan and The Cumnock Tryst glittered among a galaxy of stars at the Sky Arts Awards!
Nominated in the Classical music category, the Tryst scooped the prestigious prize last night, alongside other winners on the night including rock band The Last Dinner Party, comedian Fern Brady and the hit TV show Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.
The awards ceremony at the Roundhouse in London was hosted by Joe Lycett, with guests including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sheila Hancock and Lenny Henry. It showcased the very best of British and Irish arts and culture, celebrating incredible achievements across the arts.
Broadcaster and author Melvyn Bragg won The Lifetime Achievement Award. Each winner received a statuette designed by artist and comedian Jim Moir, better known as Vic Reeves.
The night also saw live performances from acts including The Darkness, TikTok sensation Ren, and poet Lemn Sissay.
The award for The Cumnock Tryst was for the 2023 festival which once again brought together many local community groups on stage alongside some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians.
Sir James MacMillan said: “I’m delighted that The Cumnock Tryst has won this prestigious award. I’m so grateful to the team who run the Tryst and all our supporters who have maintained faith in us these last ten years. The award last night was in recognition of our 2023 festival in which many community groups were involved. The award is for them too and for the whole community of Cumnock and the surrounding area, as we move now towards our 10th birthday celebrations next month.”
The Cumnock Tryst celebrates its 10th birthday this October, opening on Wednesday 2 and running to Sunday 6 October. Audiences will be treated to beautiful and moving performances from a recital by world-class pianist Steven Osborne to new works by the young composers at the local Robert Burns Academy, the fantastic Ayrshire folk musician Seán Gray to the inspiring Drake Music Scotland working with Riverside Centre service users, Hillside School pupils and Hebrides Ensemble, and a special 10th birthday concert on Saturday 5 October.
