Last night, the classical music world was set ablaze with emotion as the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2025 unveiled its winners, and history was made. Sir Simon Rattle became the first-ever artist to claim the prestigious Artist of the Year title twice, a feat that left the audience in awe. But here's where it gets even more captivating: his journey with Gramophone began when he was just a 10-year-old boy, spending his pocket money on the magazine. Fast forward to today, and his recent collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and others have solidified his legacy. In his heartfelt video acceptance speech, Rattle expressed, ‘This is an extraordinary honour.’
And this is the part most people miss: the awards, often dubbed the Oscars of classical recordings, also celebrated the genius of Raphaël Pichon, whose rendition of Bach’s Mass in B Minor with his ensemble Pygmalion took home Recording of the Year. Gramophone praised it as a performance ‘alive with devotional warmth, gleaming at the cellular level.’ But here’s the controversial bit: can a 300-year-old composition truly sound new? Pichon’s interpretation seems to suggest so, sparking debates among purists and modernists alike. What do you think—is innovation in classical music a blessing or a betrayal of the composer’s intent?
The night didn’t stop there. María Dueñas, a 22-year-old Spanish violin prodigy, was crowned Young Artist of the Year and also snagged the Instrumental Category award for her album of Paganini’s 24 Caprices. Her meteoric rise, including a win at the Menuhin Competition in 2021, has left many wondering: is she the future of classical music?
Now, let’s dive into the truly extraordinary. Two world premiere recordings stole the spotlight. Sir George Benjamin’s live recording of his 2023 opera Picture a Day Like This won in the Contemporary Category, but it was The Krasiński Codex that left everyone speechless. This recording features music from a mid-1420s manuscript that miraculously survived Nazi arson in 1944. How did it escape destruction? Rumor has it a musicologist working for the Third Reich recognized its value and saved it. Over 40 polyphonic pieces, hidden for centuries, now offer a window into the late Middle Ages. But here’s a thought-provoking question: should we celebrate the individual who saved this treasure, even if they were associated with a regime of terror?
The evening concluded with a standing ovation for Sir Thomas Allen, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His five-decade-long career, spanning from Mozart to Sondheim, has inspired generations. In his acceptance speech, he humbly stated, ‘I feel like a tiny prawn in a sea of greatness.’
As we reflect on this year’s winners, one thing is clear: classical music is not just about the past—it’s a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve and inspire. What’s your take? Is classical music still relevant in today’s fast-paced world? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation alive!
