* Award to be made to first woman to conduct a complete BBC Proms concert
The first woman to conduct a complete concert at the BBC Proms — a landmark moment in British musical history – will be honored with the 2026 Tulane University International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement.
London-based conductor and composer Odaline de la Martínez (pictured above) will be presented with the award at the 52nd annual Alumni Awards Gala at the Civic Theater in New Orleans in April.
Odaline has conducted many BBC orchestras throughout her distinguished career and remains a towering figure in contemporary music, continuing to compose, conduct, and champion under-represented voices in classical music.
The Tulane Trailblazer initiative was launched in 2019 by Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts as a formal recognition program to honor alumni, faculty, and community members who have made substantial, lasting impacts on the university and beyond.
* New boss appointed at London orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced John Harte as its next Managing Director. He will be joining a team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle.
In a statement Harte said, “I am thrilled to be joining the LSO, a company whose artistic vibrancy, rich history, and extraordinary social impact I’ve long admired. It’s a privilege to be appointed to the MD role at a moment of such artistic and organisational strength.”
Sarah Quinn, chair of the London Symphony Orchestra, added: “John has led outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra, which has become a significant force in UK music in an impressively short period of time. We very much look forward to working together.”
Harte has been Chief Executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009 and will succeed Dame Kathryn McDowell in August 2026.
* Financial pressures force 850-year-old cathedral school to close
Exeter Cathedral School announced in early January that it will shut after 850 years over “unavoidable financial pressures” reported The Telegraph.
Founded in the 12th century, the cathedral school’s records show that choristers have been educated there since as early as 1179
It will close its preparatory school from September for years three to eight and has said the cathedral’s choristers will be moved to Exeter School, another local independent school.
In a statement released by the school it described the decision to close as “extremely difficult” and blamed financial pressures that “many small independent schools are currently facing”.