Paul McCreesh awarded CBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Eminent conductor Paul McCreesh, founder and Artistic Director of Gabrieli, has been awarded a CBE for services to music and music education in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026.

Originally known as the Gabrieli Consort & Players, McCreesh established Gabrieli in 1982 as a vocal consort and period-instrument ensemble, originally focused on the music of the Gabrielis and their Venetian contemporaries. Over nearly five decades the group has expanded its reach considerably, moving from landmark liturgical reconstructions to large-scale oratorio and beyond – with award-winning recordings of Haydn, Mendelssohn, Britten and, most recently, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, which took both Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine awards. Alongside his work with Gabrieli, McCreesh has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras and held principal positions with ensembles including the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon.

A CBE – Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – is one of the senior ranks of the British honours system, awarded for having a prominent role at national level or a commanding role at regional level. The citation singles out McCreesh’s work in music education through Gabrieli’s popular youth-singing programme, Gabrieli Roar.

‘It is particularly pleasing that the citation for this award acknowledges my commitment to music education, which is such an essential part of my artistic identity. I have been privileged to work alongside outstanding teachers – all too often the unsung heroes of the musical world – and have been thrilled to make music with so many wonderful young people. I feel there is no greater imperative for us all than to ensure that this glorious, life-affirming art continues to nourish future generations.’ - Paul McCreesh

For over 20 years, Gabrieli Roar has worked in partnership with schools, churches and music education hubs to create musical opportunities for communities nationwide. On 18 June, they present a super-sized performance of Purcell’s famous hour-long opera, Dido and Aeneas, at Nevil Holt Opera, followed in July by their annual flagship event at Ely Cathedral, which brings together 250 young singers to perform Handel’s Saul alongside Gabrieli’s professional forces.

Later this year, Gabrieli Roar brings their programme, Mr Handel’s Christmas Story, to over 5000 young people in eleven cities across the country from Exeter to Carlisle, in a project supported by Continuo Foundation.

Alongside the summer Gabrieli Roar projects, Gabrieli will also perform at the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht on 2 September and in Wrocław on 5 September. Visit the Gabrieli profile on Continuo Connect to learn more and view their upcoming UK concerts.