National recognition for our 'inspirational' director: "We're all grateful for the musical journey he has taken us on..."

Having celebrated the 25th anniversary of Modelski Music in true style earlier this year, the remarkable achievements of Jan Modelski were brought to the nation's attention this week at the annual Making Music awards as he was shortlisted for the prestigious Lady Hilary Groves Inspiration Award.

Each year, the world of community music is invited to nominate an individual or group who have made an outstanding contribution to music in their community for the award, which was created in honour of Making Music's former vice-president and strong supporter of leisure-time music in the UK. Thanks to an impassioned submission by several members of Chester Community Orchestra, Jan was deservedly shortlisted for the award along with two other outstanding candidates.

The awards ceremony took place last Wednesday, 24th September. But rather than donning his tuxedo and trotting off to the big smoke for a night of glitz and glamour, Jan - true to form - chose to attend the event online, via video link, in the middle of a big band rehearsal. This would come as no surprise to anyone from his musical community, though, and demonstrates exactly why his nomination came around in the first place.

Even though the honours didn't come his way this year, Jan was still delighted to have been considered: "It was an honour to be nominated in the first place," he said. "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who supports what I do."

You can watch our community's pitch for Jan in the Lady Hilary Groves Award category of the Making Music Awards 2025 below: