Jazz Bassist Christian McBride Receives 2023 Wigmore Medal

The award honors exceptional musicians who have developed a close relationship with London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall

Awarded annually since 2007, the Wigmore Medal recognizes artists of international standing, who have made significant artistic contributions to London’s Wigmore Hall.

The 2023 winner of the medal is the American jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Christian McBride, who was awarded the honor during a performance at Wigmore Hall on July 17. 

Also an associate artist at the venue since 2021, McBride was presented the medal by Deputy Chief of Mission at London’s U.S. Embassy Matthew Palmer, and Wigmore Hall director John Gilhooly. 

McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner and has worked with artists including Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Sir Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Isaac Hayes, Queen Latifah, Kathleen Battle, and James Brown. 

Dedicated to jazz education and advocacy, McBride has also campaigned against racism in the arts industry. He made his Wigmore Hall debut in 2013 with saxophonist Joshua Redman.

He performed at the Hall again in 2015 with his Trio, and in 2016 for his own jazz series, plus collaborated onstage with Chick Corea, Renée Fleming, Edgar Meyer, plus Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi. 

McBride joins 16 other Wigmore Medal recipients including the Takács String Quartet, cellist Steven Isserlis, and pianists Angela Hewitt and Mitsuko Uchida.

“Walking into the hallowed space that is Wigmore Hall for the first time in 2013 was a wonder to behold,” said McBride. “I was not expecting to eventually develop and maintain a relationship with Wigmore over the next decade. To be officially indoctrinated into a hall that has featured such legendary artists is humbling.”

 

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“One of the most outstanding musicians working today in any field, Christian McBride has been a vital figure for the jazz community for decades,” Gilhooly expressed. “His dynamic, virtuoso performances have captivated audiences worldwide, not least at Wigmore Hall where he has brought in new audiences through his own innovative series of concerts and collaborations with artists from across the musical spectrum…our award to Christian couldn’t be more richly deserved.”

“Christian McBride is an extraordinary practitioner of, and representative for, the art of jazz on a global stage,” added Palmer. “This uniquely American form of music has always defied labels, pushed boundaries, and reflected the incredible diversity of the American people. 

“What makes Christian such a worthy recipient of the Wigmore Medal, beyond his obvious and precocious talent, is how he has worked to promote diversity in the arts and to teach and inspire musicians from all backgrounds,” Palmer continued. “His popularity in the United Kingdom and particularly at Wigmore Hall is a reminder of the power of music to transcend national borders and bring our two countries closer together.”