The Hallé’s music director Sir Mark Elder is to be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Leeds. The presentation will take place during the live final of the Leeds International Piano Competition on September 15 at Leeds Town Hall. Elder and the Hallé will accompany the six finalists in their selected concerto, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

‘It is indeed a great privilege for me to join so many distinguished colleagues in accepting this Honorary Doctorate,’ said Elder. ‘Leeds has been for years a significant part of my life; the first time I conducted there was nearly 30 years ago, and the International Piano Competition is a wonderful fixture in my diary.’