Lord Mayor’s Awards
Lord Mayor Cllr Shafique Shah and Andris Nelson
Each year the Lord Mayor of Birmingham invites nominations for the Lord Mayor’s Awards and this year they were given to CBSO Music Director Andris Nelsons and local shopkeeper John Bourke.
Andris Nelsons was nominated by a number of people for his dedication to sustaining and promoting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s reputation as a world-renowned symphony orchestra over the last seven years. John Bourke was nominated for his tireless work at his corner shop, serving an ever-changing community come rain or shine for over 45 years.
Outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Shafique Shah, said: “The Lord Mayor’s Awards are there to recognise outstanding achievements or exceptional service to the City and the people of Birmingham. Andris and John have given exceptional service, albeit in very different ways, and I was touched by the nominations that I received for both of them. In giving these awards I want to show that everyone in Birmingham has a part to play in serving their community.”
Andris Nelsons, who leaves his post as CBSO Music Director in July, added: “I am so happy to have been presented with this award by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. It is a great honour that the city of Birmingham thinks that my work and my passion for conducting one of the best orchestras in the world should gain this recognition. I have loved my time in Birmingham, and meeting some amazing audience members and supporters of the CBSO. A special thank you to those who nominated me, I am truly very touched indeed.”
Anyone living in Birmingham or the surrounding neighbourhoods can nominate an individual, a group of individual (or an organisation) living, working or based in Birmingham for the City of Birmingham’s Lord Mayor’s Award. The overriding principle of the Lord Mayor’s Award is that it is based on merit and this is defined as “outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the City and people of Birmingham”. No Councillor, past or present, will be eligible for the Award and the Award will not be given to any person(s) for services rendered to or for any Political Party or related organisation.
Anyone wishing to nominate someone for an award next year should visit birmingham.gov.uk/lordmayorsaward and return a nomination form by 28 February 2016.
-ends-
For media information, please contact Debbie Harrison on 303 4476
