News and Events

BU confers Honorary Doctorate on world-class musician

7 November 2007

We've awarded the Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music.

Marin Alsop has been awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor Of Music during this year's graduation ceremonies.

Described by one critic as "one of the finest conductors on the planet," Alsop has contributed greatly to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, recently rated the best UK orchestra outside London.

In 2005 she was named a MacArthur Fellow, the first conductor to receive the prestigious American honour. In 2007, she was given a European Women of Achievement Award.

She is a regular guest conductor on the world stage, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Orchestra, the London Symphony and the Tokyo Philharmonic.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Bournemouth International Centre, Alsop said: "Im very honoured to receive this award, made even more special by the fact that I am in my final season with the BSO.

"It is a very nice ending to my time here in Bournemouth a community that has featured prominently in my success".

A passionate and charismatic individual, she gave a motivational speech during the ceremony, advising fellow graduands to "pursue your passion at all costs".