Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber has said he is “truly grateful” to receive the Freedom of the City of London.
The 78-year-old theatre impresario is renowned for composing hit musicals such as The Phantom Of The Opera, Starlight Express, Cats and Evita – all of which have run on the West End for more than a decade. He is also one of the few artists to have won an Egot, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards throughout his career.
Recognition at the Guildhall
The London-born composer was recognised during a ceremony at the Guildhall on Wednesday for his outstanding achievements in and contribution to musical theatre and the arts.
Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “I am delighted to receive the Freedom of the City of London. As we mark 40 years of The Phantom Of The Opera in London this Friday, and with Michael Harrison’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar about to move into the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, there is much to celebrate. I am truly grateful.”
The Freedom of the City of London is believed to date back to 1237 and is granted by the City of London Corporation to celebrate outstanding contributions to London life.
A distinguished career
Lord Lloyd-Webber has received many other accolades including seven Olivier Awards, and has composed 21 musicals, a song cycle, a set of variations, two film scores, and a Latin Requiem Mass during his internationally successful career. He was also the first member of the British arts community to be appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the most senior order of chivalry, in its 700-year history.
The composer is also an active philanthropist who founded the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation in 1992, and has donated millions to funding the arts, culture and music education among other charitable causes, as well as funding a wide range of scholarships to increase accessibility to musical theatre. Lord Lloyd-Webber also owns six West End theatres including the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and reinvests the profits made by these venues back into the buildings.
Nominations and legacy
He was nominated for his latest achievement by lady mayor of the city of London, Dame Susan Langley, as well as the chairman of the Barbican Centre board and former lord mayor, Alderman Sir William Russell.
Dame Susan said: “Over the last six decades, few people have done more to shape modern musical theatre than Andrew Lloyd Webber. Through hugely popular and enduring works, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew has entertained and inspired audiences across the world, while also helping cement London’s place as a global capital of culture. His Freedom of the City of London recognises not only Andrew’s remarkable creative legacy, but also his enduring commitment to nurturing future generations of musical talent and supporting the arts.”
Alderman Sir William hailed Lord Lloyd-Webber’s name as “synonymous with theatrical excellence”, and said his music has “undoubtedly become part of the soundtrack to many millions of lives around the world”. Lord Lloyd-Webber joins a long list of famous faces who have received the honour, including Dame Arlene Phillips, Gloria Hunniford, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.
