Our director of chapel music Will Dawes has been made an associate of the Royal Academy of Music, an honour awarded to former students who have made a significant contribution to the music profession.

The honour was announced on Monday after being ratified by the academy’s governing body in February. Dawes studied choral conducting and singing at the academy, where he was taught by Patrick Russill, a leading performer and scholar of English church music.

“It’s a wonderful honour. It’s great to be recognized by the place where you studied,” Dawes says.

“I’d particularly like to thank Paddy Russill, who was a total inspiration and a wonderful teacher – full of musicality and humanity.”

Dawes will be leading the college choir on a tour of India in December.

 

Further reading?

Professor Dame Averil Cameron (1940–2026)

Learn More
08 April 2026
Professor Dame Averil Cameron (1940–2026)

Honorary Fellow Addresses Royal Society Celebration

Learn More
31 March 2026
Honorary Fellow Addresses Royal Society Celebration

Somerville Linguist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award, Celebrates ERC Association

Learn More
26 March 2026
Somerville Linguist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award, Celebrates ERC Association