This year, the Royal College of Organists celebrates five respected musicians in their respective achievements relating to organ and choral music. An addition to last year’s four recipients, the College’s medal is only given once a year and is the organisation's highest honour.

Among the recipients is chief conductor of the BBC Singers Sofi Jeannin, whose career includes conducting Handel’s Messiah with Britten Sinfonia and Poulenc’s Stabat Mater with BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Dr Stephen Layton MBE will also be awarded. Known for being the founder of choral group, Polyphony, Layton also served as director of music at Temple Church and Trinity College, Cambridge. He was educated under former president of RCO, the late Stephen Cleobury.

President of the RCO, David Hill says: ‘The 2024 honorands are both respected and celebrated in their respective fields. The RCO Medal acknowledges their many achievements, and we warmly congratulate them and thank them for their immense contribution to choral and organ music.’

The recipients will be presented with their medals at the RCO conferment ceremony in Southwark Cathedral on Sat, March 9 2024. Jeannin will be awarded her Medal at the 2025 ceremony.