Queen of arts

Errollyn Wallen is riding high on a year of triumphs that include becoming Master of the King's Music, writes Claire Jackson

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BBC Music Magazine Personality of the Year Errollyn Wallen

The phone rang – the disruption was unexpected, as was the source. Errollyn Wallen agreed that she would accept a call from the Palace, excited at the thought of a potential function to attend. There have been a few of those lately. In November, the composer was inducted into the Academy Fellowship at the Ivors Classical Awards. It followed receipt of Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2007 Birthday Honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2020 New Year Honours. But this time, the invitation was different: would Wallen consider becoming Master of the King's Music?

'You could have knocked me down with a feather,' says Wallen, 'and, of course, I said yes. The role fits well with my broader priorities: championing music-making for all, access to good music education for every child, and demystifying the world of composing.' It's these attributes – achieved alongside music creation at the highest level, including dozens of operas, songs and orchestral works – that have led to her most recent award: BBC Music Magazine Personality of the Year.