Dame Patricia Routledge was one of the UK’s most distinguished and beloved actors. In a career extraordinary for its depth and range, as well as its longevity, she made an outstanding contribution to music.
Dame Patricia became an honorary member of the Academy in 2022, during our Bicentenary year, and was a supporter of the Academy. She was particularly passionate about encouraging young singers, and especially those who were coming to the end of their training. She provided philanthropic support for singers in their final year of study, as she knew how important that transition from education into professional life was, as well as the unique challenges this period of change can present. She attended concerts here regularly and would always welcome a chat with students afterwards, offering words of advice in characteristic good humour.
Dame Patricia will be greatly missed by everyone at the Academy, particularly for her commitment to young artists.