James Rose
Doctor of Music (2023)
James RoseJames Rose is the Conductor and Artistic Director of the world’s first disabled-led musical ensemble, BSO Resound.
James, who conducts using a baton attached to his glasses to indicate time and dynamics, has pursued a career in the arts since graduating from University College Falmouth in 2007 with a Degree in Broadcasting, and a Diploma in Neuro Linguistic Programming.
He is passionate about levelling the field for disabled performers, based on the principle that individuals should be judged on their musical talent regardless of any disability.
​Download James Rose's citation (pdf - 73kb)
Dr Shirley J. Thompson, OBE
Doctor of Music (2019)
Shirley J. ThompsonShirley J. Thompson is an award-winning composer and artistic director, who is consistently cited as one of Britain’s foremost classical music composers, as well as one of the country’s most influential people of colour.
In 2004, she became the first woman in Europe for more than 40 years to compose and conduct a symphony, which was commissioned to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Her visionary concept, entitled ‘A London Story – a symphonic history of London from 1066 to the present day’, provided the musical framework for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
Download Shirley J. Thompson's citation (pdf 68kb)
Alex James
Doctor of Arts (2010)
Alex James is a musician and music producer, journalist, media presenter, farmer and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Bournemouth, he achieved international success as the bassist with Blur.
Alex writes prolifically for national newpapers and magazines, and his first book Bit of a Blur was released in 2007. The follow-up, All Cheeses Great And Small, was released in 2011 and charted his transformation from rock star to cheesemaker - his Oxfordshire farm produces award-winning cheeses.
Download Alex James' citation (pdf 61kb)
Andy Summers
Doctor of Arts (2008)
Andy Summers has achieved an international reputation as a musician, songwriter and producer, in the genres of rock, pop and jazz. A rock and jazz guitarist of wide experience and versatility, he co-founded The Police and enjoyed huge worldwide success with the band in the 1980s, and again with their more recent reunion tour.
Andy is also a published author and photographer.
Download Andy Summers' citation (pdf 18kb)
Marin Alsop
Doctor of Music (2007)
Marin Alsop is a musician of the highest rank who in 2007 became the first woman to head a major American orchestra, as Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony, a position she has held ever since. She also achieved great distinction as Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra between 2002 and 2008.
In 2005 she was named a MacArthur Fellow, the first conductor ever to receive this most prestigious American honour and in 2007 she was given a European Women of Achievement Award. In 2013, she became the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms.
Download Marin Alsop's citation (pdf 18kb)