Francis Pott receives an award from the Royal College of Organists.
Francis Pott receives an award from the Royal College of Organists.

UWL composer awarded highest honour of the Royal College of Organists

UWL composer awarded highest honour of the Royal College of Organists

An internationally renowned composer at London College of Music (LCM) has been awarded one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry for his ‘distinguished achievement in the fields of sacred choral and organ composition.’ 

Professor Francis Pott, Professor of Composition at UWL, was awarded the Medal of the Royal College of Organists (RCO) - the highest honour awarded by an influential membership organisation. Each year, it is presented to three distinguished musicians working in areas of choral and organ music such as performance, teaching or composition. 

Francis, a world-class composer whose work has been performed in over 40 countries, was nominated for the medal in 2021, along with Gareth Malone OBE and Prof. Jon Laukvik. As the initial award ceremony was postponed owing to the pandemic, he and his fellow honorands received their medals at this year’s ceremony at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 12 March 2022. 

For Francis, who first joined LCM as the Head of School in 2001 before being appointed Professor of Composition in 2007, the medal represents a lifelong commitment to the composition and teaching of classical and chamber music.  

Speaking about the success, Professor Nicholas McKay, Director of London College of Music, said:

This award reflects the depth and breadth of Francis’ work and as a School we are incredibly proud of his success. Francis brings a level of expertise that is unparalleled and that enables our students to develop their own successful music careers.”  

Francis is looking forward to several upcoming projects, including the premiere of a violin concerto he wrote over lockdown and a piece for two pianos that he is scheduled to co-perform in New York in the autumn.  

  • You can listen to some of Francis’ work on Spotify. 

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