Honorary Fellow: Darren Henley

The citation was read by LJMU Honorary Fellow and Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko.

Darren is the Managing Director of Classic FM. His two independent government reviews into music and cultural education resulted in the creation of England’s first National Plan for Music Education, new networks of Music Education Hubs and Heritage Schools, the BFI Film Academy and the new National Youth Dance Company.

He is currently the chair of the government’s Cultural Education Board. His 27 books about classical music and musicians include the first official history of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Darren has worked with LJMU through its partnership with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to broadcast Classic FM live from the University, as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival, opening up exciting cultural experiences for its students and the city.

During his acceptance speech, Darren said he was very honoured to receive his Fellowship and delighted that his citation was presented by Vasily Petrenko. He also said that everyone at the cathedral and associated with the University should be very proud of their role in making LJMU a centre of excellence and innovation and learning. He added: “Nowhere in the world is as special as Liverpool and no other university does as much to ensure its students benefit from the cultural experiences that the city has to offer.”

Finally, he congratulated all graduates, adding: “You will find opportunities everywhere if you look hard enough. You can become a leader in whatever field you choose and your degree from LJMU will be your foundation. I really wish you all the very best of luck and enormous success in your future careers.”