Liverpool Philharmonic Honours the Memory of Former Musician with an Award to Support Emerging Talent

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Liverpool Philharmonic Honours the Memory of Former Musician with an Award to Support Emerging Talent

Wednesday 4 March 2026

Harpist Chloe Kousmer-Kerr has been awarded the Helen Cookson Award, a discretionary award established to commemorate the memory of Helen Cookson, a former musician of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who sadly passed away in 1997. The award provides support to a musician with great potential and offers the assistance they need to progress to the next level of their musical journey.

The development of the award was led by musicians in the Orchestra and inspired by Helen’s passion for helping young musicians. The award works alongside Liverpool Philharmonic’s Emerging Musicians Fellowship and contributes to their long-standing commitment to supporting the next generation of musicians, identifying industry barriers, and creating more pathways into the music industry.

Chloe will work with Liverpool Philharmonic harpist Elizabeth McNulty in development sessions, receiving support and guidance tailored to her specific needs as a musician. The award also includes opportunities to attend concerts and rehearsals by the Orchestra.

On receiving the award, Chloe said: “It’s really amazing to have access to guidance and support at this stage of my career, having just completed my studies at conservatoire. The Liverpool Philharmonic was such a big inspiration for me when I lived here a decade ago and played a big part in my decision to pursue a career in music, so it’s especially exciting for me to have this opportunity to learn with them.”

Ruth Davies, Oboist for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “When I joined the Orchestra, Helen really took me under her wing. She was clever (a member of Mensa, no less) and such a bundle of energy and fun. She even used to run aerobics classes for us during lunchtimes. Helen cared deeply about helping young musicians. She herself had been offered many opportunities as a young violinist and led the Manchester Youth Orchestra. Personally, I felt the benefit of her kindness and good humour. When she died in 1997, the Orchestra raised money in her memory. Since then, we have been looking to develop a project of which Helen would have felt proud. Helen's death was a huge loss to all her friends at the Phil, and I am so happy that we now have a project worthy of her memory.”

Liverpool Philharmonic are proud to honour the memory of Helen Cookson and continue her dedication to supporting emerging musicians.