Music therapy charity Nordoff And Robbins has revealed the final wave of honourees set to be celebrated at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The announced honourees include Sophie Ellis-Bextor, receiving the Best Female Award following the announcement of her eighth studio album Perimenopop; Mika, who will receive the Global Impact Award, recognising his global success as a chart-topping artist, his contributions to pop music and advocacy for inclusivity and representation across the industry; The Last Dinner Party, who will be presented with the Best New Music Award; and Aurora, who will be honoured with the Contemporary Music Award.
They join previously announced honourees, including David Gilmour, Rick Astley, Noah Kahan, The Corrs, Idles, Soul II Soul, Chase & Status and Tony Christie.
The O2 Silver Clef Awards, presented in partnership with long-standing headline sponsor O2, will take place at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House on July 2. For the first time in its 49-year history, it will take place in the evening, with the ceremony hosted by Nordoff And Robbins music ambassadors Carrie and David Grant, and Edith Bowman.
Since 1976, the O2 Silver Clef Awards have raised millions to support the charity’s work with children and adults facing life-limiting illness, disability and isolation.
“The O2 Silver Clef Awards are a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire and heal,” said Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff And Robbins. “As we celebrate the achievements of artists like Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party and Aurora, we are reminded of the profound impact music has on our lives. Their support, alongside that of the wider music community, is crucial to Nordoff And Robbins as we face rising demand for our music therapy services in a challenging landscape of increasing costs and decreasing donations. Every ounce of support brings us closer to a world where music connects and empowers everyone.”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor commented: “Receiving the Best Female award means a great deal to me. Genuinely, such an honour. Music has always been a huge tonic for me. It helps me recalibrate and feel good, as well as being a way to connect with people. To be recognised in this way, especially by an organisation like Nordoff And Robbins that harnesses music to spread joy and uplift, is truly special.”
Mika added: “Music has always been the bridge between my many homes. The O2 Silver Clef Awards remind us how that bridge can become a lifeline through Nordoff And Robbins’ music therapy work. To stand alongside this year’s honourees and help spotlight that mission is a joy and a profound honour.”
“We’ve always wanted to make music that feels big, emotional and a little bit strange, like something out of a dream or a fevered storybook,” said The Last Dinner Party. “To be recognised by Nordoff And Robbins with this award so early in our journey feels incredibly special. It’s a huge honour to be counted among artists we’ve admired for so long whilst shining a light on music therapy, and we’re beyond grateful to everyone who’s believed in us.”
Aurora also said: “Music is a language that speaks to the parts of us we sometimes forget. To be honoured by Nordoff and Robbins, who use this language to heal and connect, is deeply meaningful. I hope this recognition brings more attention to their vital work, reminding us all of music's power to unite and transform.”
