The Critics’ Circle
Protecting and promoting cultural criticism since 1913
The Critics’ Circle believes impartial, professional criticism of the arts is an essential ingredient of a healthy society. The Circle today has 503 members shared between Theatre (117), Music (91), Film (151), Dance (57), Visual Arts (47) and Books (40). Admission to the Circle is by invitation from the Council.
Each year since 1988, the Circle has presented the Rosebowl for Distinguished Service to the Arts to an artist of conspicuous achievement. In 2019 the members voted for David Hockney and in 2020 for Dame Janet Baker.
The sections make their own awards in ceremonies which are significant social occasions, and hold periodic meetings and lunches to discuss their awards, propose new members, debate current issues and meet artists.
President: Suzi Feay
Vice-President: Robert Thicknesse
Hon. General Secretary: Rick Jones criticscircleallsections@gmail.com
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin
Trustees: Ian Herbert, Michael Billington, Peter Cargin
News & reviews
Music Section Award 2020/21 made to William Thomas
At the close of this afternoon's recital - featuring songs by Brahms, Schubert, Mozart, Delius, Balakirev, Duparc and Strauss - at the Wigmore Hall, London, Rupert Christiansen presented this year's Award for Young Talent (Voice) to the bass, William Thomas. The...
read moreThe 22nd National Dance Awards – #NDA22
DE VALOIS AWARD John Ashford DANCING TIMES AWARD FOR BEST MALE DANCER Edward Watson BEST FEMALE DANCER Marianela Nuñez STEF STEFANOU AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMPANY English National Ballet BEST MID-SCALE COMPANY Ballet Black ...
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Donghoon Shin’s new Cello Concerto
Bruno Delepelaire, cello, Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmoniker / Kirill Petrenko World premiere, 7 May 2022 Korean-born, London-resident Donghoon Shin was the Music Section’s Young Composer of 2019, an award made in recognition of his finely attuned aural...
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ROSA’s day
The new venture of the Visual Arts and Architecture section's new chair, Alex Leith May 20 was an important birthday that saw the first appearance of beautiful, bouncing ROSA. But she’s a newcomer who has been 15 years in gestation. ROSA is the brainchild of a small...
read moreMusic section awards 2020/21
The Music Section of The Critics’ Circle is delighted to announce the winners of our Awards for 2020 and 2021 Young Talent (Composer) Alex Ho Young Talent (Conductor) Jonathon Heyward Young Talent (Voice) William Thomas Young Talent...
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