Pianist to receive honorary doctorate

Musician Wayne Marshall will be honoured by Coventry University on 19 March

A pianist, organist and composer is to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of outstanding services to music and musical performance.

Wayne Marshall OBE will be presented with the Coventry University degree at Coventry Cathedral on Tuesday.

He is also set to play a 20-minute programme, including J.S Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, as students enter the graduation ceremony.

Mr Marshall, who recorded his first commercial solo organ CD at the venue in 1989, said it was a "great honour" to return.

“I’m really looking forward to the day as I haven’t been back to Coventry Cathedral since recording the CD," he said.

"It's wonderful to receive this award but it's also the perfect opportunity to do what I do best and to let everybody hear me perform."

Mr Marshall began piano studies at the age of three and has previously appeared at BBC Proms.

In addition to  a piece by Franz Schmidt, he will play The Prince of Denmark's March as well as the Finale from Symphonie No 1 by Louis Vierne.

Others to receive honorary degrees at the same ceremony include Prof Graham Henderson CBE and Dr Alison Walker.

Dr Walker will receive an honorary doctorate of science for her contribution to the enhancement of pre-hospital care across the West Midlands and the country, a spokesperson for Coventry University said.

Having worked for the NHS for 30 years, she has been with  West Midlands Ambulance Service as a medical director and advisor since 2010.

“I am really delighted to be receiving the honorary doctorate as it's lovely to have that level of recognition from an academic body," she said.

Prof Henderson, former vice-chancellor of Teeside University, will receive an honorary doctorate of education in recognition of his contribution and commitment to higher education.

After graduating with a degree in maths from Coventry University in 1975, he went on to work in higher education for 40 years.

“Although I’ve been to so many large graduation ceremonies... I think I will still be nervous this time as it’s such a special day for me personally," he said.