The Youth Music Awards champion diversity, inclusion and a more creative future of music
London, UK, 1st November 2023 – Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) is proud to have been headline sponsor of the 2023 Youth Music Awards for the fourth year running. This year’s Awards, which took place at Troxy in London, was once again a platform for celebrating a more diverse future of music, showcasing emerging talent and recognising leaders who face challenges in the music industry due to their backgrounds or personal circumstances.
The 2023 Youth Music Awards brought together prominent figures from the music industry to serve as judges, including Hal Leonard Europe’s UK Managing Editor, Louise Unsworth, BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Mahalia, the internationally acclaimed DJ duo BICEP, and BBC Radio 1’s Sian Eleri. This event was a testament to the power of unity and diversity in music, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of young musicians and leaders of grassroot music schemes. At a time of increasing inequality across line-ups – from festivals to awards ceremonies – Youth Music called on the music industry to TAKE NOTE and champion a more diverse, more inclusive, and more creative future of music.
Over 500 guests celebrated the most forward-thinking projects and people making it possible for young people to make, learn and earn through music. A significant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Social Action Award, sponsored by Hal Leonard Europe. This prestigious award was bestowed upon Amies Freedom Choir, a remarkable group dedicated to supporting female survivors of human trafficking by providing a sense of joy, belonging, and community through the collective act of making music.
The 2023 Youth Music Awards was an inspiring night, exemplifying industry-wide collaboration and a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and equal access within the music industry for the next generation. Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity, has been championing equal access to music for over two decades. Hal Leonard Europe is immensely proud to sponsor this event once again, reinforcing its dedication to supporting Youth Music’s vital initiatives.
“Like Youth Music, Hal Leonard Europe’s vision is to enable music-making for everyone, providing the products and services musicians need to do what they do best. This year’s awards once again provided inspiration, vision and a vital platform to establish a more inclusive music industry. Hal Leonard adds its voice for the wider music industry to ‘Take Note’ of the importance of inclusive music education, grassroots music-making, and access for all.”
Oliver Winstone, Strategic Partnerships & Education Manager, Hal Leonard Europe
“The Youth Music Awards provides a platform for the incredibly talented next generation of creatives and leaders emerging from the grassroots organisations we invest in across the country. The event really demonstrates the importance of supporting grassroots music. Without it, the future of music is less diverse, inclusive, and creative. As we approach our 25th anniversary next year, we hope the music industry is inspired to ‘Take Note’ of what it means to level the playing field for young people making, learning and earning in music.”
Matt Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Music
For a full list of winners, and for more information head to https://youthmusic.org.uk/awards
About Youth Music:
Youth Music are the UK’s leading young people’s music charity. They believe that every young person should have the chance to make, learn and earn in music and wider creativity. Yet research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. They leverage insights, investment, and influence to build a national grassroots infrastructure that ensures the future of music is more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible. Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
About Hal Leonard Europe:
Hal Leonard Europe companies are part of the Hal Leonard group of companies – the world’s largest source of music publications, representing many of the world’s best-known and most respected publishers, artists, songwriters, arrangers and instrument manufacturers. Hal Leonard Europe companies publish and distribute an extensive catalogue of printed and digital publications, sheet music, music education resources, instruments, gifts, accessories and pro audio in Europe and around the world. There are Hal Leonard Europe offices and distribution centres located in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.
About the Amies Freedom Choir
Amies Freedom Choir works with individuals who often find themselves struggling with confidence, self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a multitude of life challenges, including housing, benefits, legal asylum processes, family issues, and health concerns. Many of the participants have English as an additional language, often at a very basic level or not at all. Under the guidance of Amies Freedom Choir, members who may have never sung before discovering their voices, progress to public performances, receive training in Opera singing, and even join other choirs. This incredible initiative serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those who have faced the most challenging circumstances.
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