UK Musicians Recognized in 2025 King's Birthday Honors

Alex Beard, David Pickard, and Gabriella di Laccio were among those honored

More than 1200 figures across the United Kingdom have been named on the list of recipients for the 2025 King's Birthday Honors — including several classical musicians, as well as administrators and executives who have made significant contributions to the sector.

Alex Beard, who has been CEO of the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) since 2013, has received a knighthood for Services to the Arts. Beard guided the RBO through the pandemic and oversaw the revitalization of its historic buildings. He has also greatly expanded the company's educational activities, and the RBO's national learning programs now reach more than 100,000 young people every year.

David Pickard, Director of the BBC Proms between 2015 and 2024, has received an OBE. His achievements at the Proms include a renewed focus on diversity of artists and composers, and the expansion of the Proms to venues outside London, such as the weekend-long festivals in the North East.

Soprano Gabriella di Laccio, who is the founder of the Donne Foundation, received an MBE for services to music and gender equality. Donne calls attention to gender inequality across the industry by producing research reports, commissioning new works, and curating performances that focus on neglected repertoire by women composers.

Further honors went to Angela Dixon (MBE) in recognition of her work as Chief Executive of Saffron Hall, Ann Atkinson (MBE) for her work as opera singer and Artistic Director of the North Wales International Festival, and Angus Tulloch (MBE) for his work as a founding trustee of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust.

"My heartfelt congratulations to Alex [Beard] on this well-deserved honor," said Sir Lloyd Dorfman, Chair of the Royal Ballet and Opera. "All of us at the Royal Ballet and Opera are delighted to see Alex’s leadership recognized in one of the most esteemed Honors in our country. Alex’s approach is one of bold vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of the arts."

"The Royal Ballet and Opera is an extraordinary collective of remarkable talents, whose achievements bring joy and fulfillment to so many, both in our theaters and in communities right across the country," Beard said. "I am deeply honored to be their colleague, and to have been recognized in this way."

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, and I share it with all the women who came before me – those who paved the way and inspired me – as well as every woman whose voice was silenced or overlooked, and whose music we still don’t know," said Di Laccio. "This is a call to keep making a difference through my music and my actions, and to inspire others to do the same."