Royal Philharmonic Society Names Orchestra Musician of the Year for 2022

Percussionist Chris Stock of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales received the award for his outreach work in Patagonia

The UK's Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) have jointly announced the winner of their Orchestra Musician of the Year award for 2022.

Chris Stock, the Principal Percussionist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (NOW), was nominated for his work bringing music to children in Patagonia who would not otherwise have had access to musical instruments.

Following a NOW tour to the southernmost tip of South America, Stock established the Patagonia Instrument Project — and now, the foundation has sent more than £60,000 worth of musical instruments to local children.

The RPS and ABO have been presenting this award since 2012, in recognition of an orchestral player who makes a significant contribution to their community. It was originally named for the violinist Johann Peter Salomon (1745–1815) who was co-founder of the RPS.

"Chris has been a star player and stalwart presence in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for some decades," said James Murphy, the Chief Executive of the RPS. "He’s a cherished section leader and he’s devoted to community and to education, lending his time and skills and enthusiasm to inspire others."

"This whole endeavor is such a powerful illustration of the great things that can happen when the UK exports its cultural treasures — like this orchestra — worldwide, and above all, what a remarkable force for good orchestral musicians are in our lives."