New winner of Queen's Medal for Music

Leading soprano Dame Emma Kirkby was awarded the Queen’s Medal for Music 2010 by the Queen yesterday at Buckingham Palace.

The 62-year-old singer received the honour for her contribution to the nation’s musical life. She is at the forefront of British early music and has made more than 100 recordings.

The Master of the Queen’s Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, was chairman of the committee that selected Dame Emma Kirkby and was also at the Palace for the presentation.

This is the sixth year of the Award, which has previously been won by Sir Colin Davis and Bryn Terfel.