The Russian conductor in charge of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra since 2006 is to become Liverpool’s next Citizen of Honour.

Vasily Petrenko was nominated to receive the accolade for his commitment to music and the city, which has seen him tour across the world and produce a number of award-winning recordings with the orchestra.

Vasily will be added to the Roll of Citizens of Honour and presented with an official scroll by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Malcolm Kennedy at Liverpool Town Hall tomorrow (23 November).

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Vasily says: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the city which my family and I have made our home.  I have always known Liverpool to be one of the world’s great music cities, and since coming here in 2006, I’ve experienced first-hand the great passion for music that is at its heart.

“I would like to offer my thanks to the city, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and his colleagues, our audiences and supporters.  They continue to believe in and support Liverpool Philharmonic’s vision to be one of the world’s great music-making organisations, deeply rooted in our city, and an ambassador for Liverpool as a great place to live, work, study and invest in.”

Vasily took up the conductor’s baton as Liverpool Philharmonic’s principal conductor in 2006, becoming chief conductor in 2012.

The Citizen of Honour Awards were introduced in 2008 to formally recognise those individuals who have made a significant, exceptional or unique contribution to enriching the image of the city and/or its citizens.

To date there are 27 Citizens of Honour including Bill Shankly, Liverpool World War Two veterans, April Ashley, Dr David France and Lewis Biggs.

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