Dr Richard Letts has received the 2020 Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, presented annually by the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, for his outstanding contribution to Australian Music.

Richard LettsRichard Letts. Photo: supplied

“Richard Letts has had a profound influence in reshaping the pattern of government support for music in Australia,” said Melbourne Conservatorium’s Ormond Professor of Music Gary McPherson. “From his early years as a classical pianist and jazz band leader to, in more recent times, his work as Founder and Director of The Music Trust, he has made a singularly impressive contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the importance and value of music within the Australian community.”

“The contribution that Dr Letts has made on the Australian arts landscape over the past few decades has been formidable,” said Managing Director of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Sophie Galaise. “His deep insight into the musician’s experience and his intellectual rigour has had a major impact not only here in Australia, but around the world. From all of us here at the MSO, we sincerely congratulate Dr Letts on receiving this recognition.”

Letts has held numerous influential positions across the music world in...