Future Talent is delighted to share the news that our co-founder and chair, Nicholas Robinson, has been awarded an OBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025. The honour recognises his exceptional service to disadvantaged young people, charitable fundraising and music.
June 13, 2025
Robinson co-founded Future Talent in November 2004 alongside Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The charity exists to support gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds, helping them overcome barriers to musical development and achieve their potential. Now in its 21st year, Future Talent provides tailored support to 130 young musicians annually and is aiming to increase this to 150 in 2025/6.
This recognition comes just weeks after the charity celebrated its 20th anniversary with RISE: Past, Present and Future Talent, a major concert at the iconic Roundhouse in London hosted by Alexander Armstrong. As the culmination of the celebration, Robinson conducted an orchestra of Future Talent young musicians past and present as they performed “Destiny’s Journey” specially written for the occasion by 16-year-old Sam Nutter (pictured alongside Nick).
Speaking about the honour, Nicholas Robinson said: “This award is not mine alone. I share it with Katharine, Duchess of Kent, without whose vision and passion Future Talent simply wouldn’t exist. Her inspiration in founding a charity that supports talented young musicians who face financial barriers continues to guide everything we do. It has been my privilege to work tirelessly over the last 20 years to nurture musical talent, and I’m deeply honoured and grateful to accept this OBE on behalf of everyone who’s been part of the journey so far – especially the remarkable young people at the heart of it.”
Clare Cook, CEO of Future Talent, added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled. This recognition is so well deserved for Nick, who has poured so much love, time and commitment into building Future Talent over the last two decades. His belief in the potential of young people and the power of music has helped transform hundreds of lives. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting tribute than this honour, especially in such a landmark year for the charity.”
About Nicholas Robinson
In addition to his work with Future Talent, Nicholas Robinson has had a distinguished career in education, most notably as Headmaster of King’s College Choir School, Cambridge, for 19 years. Beyond education, Nick is deeply committed to a range of charitable causes. He is Chair of the children’s bereavement charity Sibling Support and is a volunteer listener at The Listening Place in London, which offers vital face-to-face support for those in suicidal crisis. He also serves as Deputy Chair of Governors at Westminster Cathedral Choir School. A passionate advocate for the arts, Nick started his conducting career as a teenager and has founded two Community Orchestras to offer musical opportunities to young musicians. He continues to champion music education and performance in schools and beyond.
