University News Last updated 03 August 2023
Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) Stephen Maddock OBE has been awarded the first-ever President's Medal from the Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI).
Stephen was awarded the medal at Sir David Cannadine's President's Address, which took place at the Birmingham and Midland Institute on Margaret Street on Saturday 22 July.
Stephen was selected as the recipient of the medal due to his many years of service to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).
The BMI was founded in 1854 for the "diffusion and advancement of science, literature and the arts for all classes of people in the Midland counties". Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Aston University can trace their roots back to the Institute.
In 2022 the BMI Board of Governors resolved to establish its President’s Medal, which was to be awarded annually to those who have promoted the diffusion and advancement of science, literature and the arts.
The medal has been designed and made in Birmingham by Thomas Fattorini, based in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
Sir David said: “For almost a quarter of a century, Stephen Maddock has played an outstanding part in the cultural and civic life of Birmingham and the West Midlands, primarily - but not exclusively - as the long serving Chief Executive of the CBSO and now as the Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. I am delighted that he will be the recipient of the first BMI President's Medal, and offer my very warmest congratulations.”
Stephen said: “I am truly honoured to have been awarded the first President’s Medal from the BMI. Like the BMI itself, the CBSO is dedicated to enhancing public interest, understanding and enjoyment of the arts, and during my nearly 24 years there, I was very conscious of the high expectations Birmingham has of its key cultural institutions.
"Having recently moved sideways to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, I remain as committed as ever to those core values, and look forward to finding new ways in which we can enrich the musical life of Birmingham and the Midlands.”