The Association of British Orchestras and Rhinegold Publishing have named Jasper Parrott and the HarrisonParrott team ​“Artist Manager of the Year”.

The award – collected by Joint Managing Directors Ian Giddons and Lydia Connolly, and Associate Director Antonio Orlando, at the ABO’s annual conference in Gateshead – recognised HP’s ​“conspicuous and imaginative support” of both the Philharmonia Orchestra and the London Chamber Orchestra.

The ABO’s citation described how HP ​“stepped in to re-fashion the Philharmonia’s tour of South America and make it financially viable through professionalism and sheer hard work. Performance opportunities were secured in locations much less explored by major international performers ‒ in Mexico, Peru and Colombia. As a result of the tour, new possibilities have been opened up for the orchestra’s future development.” HP also brought on board Avianca and BMW as partners for the tour.

The ABO also praised HP’s ongoing work with the LCO in ​“overhauling its general policy, performance opportunities, administration, marketing and financial management. As part of a fixed time-plan, the orchestra is benefiting from being housed at HarrisonParrott London headquarters, where a range of artist management skills and specialities can be brought to bear.” Already, the orchestra’s box office income has doubled and the LCO’s outreach programme has been awarded a substantial three-year grant by the MariaMarina Foundation.

Alongside HP, the ABO also named John Harte (Chief Executive of Aurora Orchestra) as Orchestra Manager of the Year, and Michael Eakin (Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra) as Concert Hall Manager of the Year. The RLPO is currently celebrating their 175^th anniversary with an eight date debut tour of Japan, also managed by HP.

The overall ABO award was given to Sir Mark Elder, Music Director of the Hallé Orchestra.