ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA AND ANTHONY SARGENT CBE

Early day motion 288, tabled 20 June 2013 by Ian Mearns (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House congratulates the Northern Sinfonia, based at Sage Gateshead, the international home for music and music discovery, for being granted Royal Appointment, the first such title to be awarded in more than 20 years; notes the longevity of the orchestra, which was founded in 1958 by the BBC musicologist and producer Michael Hall; further notes the excellence of this orchestra, regarded by many as one of the great assets of the North East region, which has now fittingly been recognised for its contribution to music in the UK; and furthermore, congratulates Anthony Sargent, General Director of Sage Gateshead for being awarded CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Conservative 2, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Independent 1.