Lily Allen, Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter and Sam Fender have been announced as the first winners at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards.
Lily Allen will be honoured with the Icon Award, sponsored by Barclays, Ludovico Einaudi will receive the Innovation In Music Award, sponsored by Oak View Group, Max Richter will receive the Contemporary Music Award, sponsored by PPL and Sam Fender will get the Best Live Act Award, sponsored by Uber Eats Music Hall.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Nordoff And Robbins’ flagship event will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on July 9.
It is a real honour to have such an eclectic mix of talented artists receiving O2 Silver Clef Awards in this special anniversary year
Sandra Schembri, Nordoff And Robbins
Since 1976, the ceremony has raised over £17 million for the charity, which in 2025 alone supported 15,500 people through 48,000 music therapy sessions, partnering with over 300 organisations including schools, hospitals and care homes across the UK.
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff And Robbins, hailed the announcement of the first wave of winners.
“It is a real honour to have such an eclectic mix of talented artists receiving O2 Silver Clef Awards in this special anniversary year,” she said. “Right now, with rising costs and a difficult fundraising landscape, the O2 Silver Clef Awards are more important than ever for us. Through the support of these amazing artists and our music industry peers, we can keep raising awareness of our mission and hope to raise as much money as possible, helping us continue training music therapists and supporting people through music therapy. We look forward to seeing you all at the Royal Albert Hall this July.”
Music therapy is such an essential resource and I’m proud to support something that has such a profound impact on people’s lives
Lily Allen
Lily Allen, Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter and Sam Fender join a selection of precious winners that includes David Bowie, Annie Lennox, Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Paul McCartney, George Michael, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Coldplay.
Lily Allen commented: “I’m honoured to receive the Icon Award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards, especially as it marks their 50th anniversary. Music therapy is such an essential resource and I’m proud to support something that has such a profound impact on people’s lives.”
Ludovico Einaudi said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Innovation in Music Award at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards. As an artist, I’ve always believed that the most honest music comes from a willingness to explore — to follow an idea wherever it leads. To be recognised for that journey means a great deal. Music has a rare ability to reach people in ways that words alone cannot, and knowing that Nordoff And Robbins channel that same belief into their extraordinary work makes this award all the more special. I very much look forward to the celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in July.”
To receive this recognition from Nordoff And Robbins is especially meaningful, because their work reminds us that music is not just art, but care. It’s therapy, it’s community, it’s hope
Max Richter
Max Richter commented: “To receive this recognition from Nordoff And Robbins is especially meaningful, because their work reminds us that music is not just art, but care. It’s therapy, it’s community, it’s hope. Thank you for believing in the power of contemporary music. I’m deeply grateful to be part of a world where music can make such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Sam Fender added: “It’s an honour to receive the Best Live Act Award at this year's O2 Silver Clef Awards. I’m so lucky to do this as a job. This award is especially meaningful because of the incredible work in music that Nordoff And Robbins do.”
O2 is headline sponsor of the event for the 25th year running.
Gareth Griffiths, director, partnerships and sponsorship, said: “O2 has supported the O2 Silver Clef Awards for 25 years and it never fails to be a very special evening – an opportunity to raise money for an amazing cause and celebrate true trailblazers in music. We can’t wait to honour Lily Allen, Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter and Sam Fender – artists and creatives who have helped to shape music as we know it. Nordoff And Robbins’ vital work is a true testament to the healing power of music and we’re proud to be celebrating this landmark anniversary with them at the Royal Albert Hall.”
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