The Simon Richards Award for young violinists

Simon Richards, age 12, was born on 24 September 2002 in Sutton Coldfield and died of heart failure after an acute asthma attack at home on 16 August 2015. Simon’s unique spirit and his legacy will have a positive impact by supporting budding young violinists and viola players from the West Midlands and the local community, through music making and live local performances.

Simon Richards had lots of passions in life. Like many 12-year old boys, he was often consumed with digital media and gaming, but also carved precious time for music, to practice keyboard and especially the violin.

Simon suffered from Chronic Brittle Asthma, was often very poorly and had to spend a lot of time away from school and from his friends.  Yet despite being poorly he managed to get on with life and find the strength to enjoy playing the violin. A committed member of the North Birmingham Suzuki Violin Group, Simon often delighted audiences by busking in his local Shopping mall in Sutton Coldfield.

Simon sadly passed away on 16 August 2015 aged 12 .

Simon’s unique spirit and his legacy will have a positive impact by supporting budding young violinists and viola players from the West Midlands and the local community, through music-making and live local performances.

A memorial fund and annual Young Sounds Award were established in 2015. 

Applications for this Award should be made via the normal application procedure.

Click here for details about how to apply to our Awards programme.