Musician Michael saluted

Jan 27 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MICHAEL Ellacott has been presented with the David K Thomson Award for 2008 in recognition of his services to music and charity.

Mr Ellacott is an accomplished singer and musician who has taught piano and singing to local young people for many years locally.

He has raised money through performances for a range of charities including Marie Curie Cancer Care and Childline. He has been accompanist to international musical talent including Bette Midler and renowned violinist Joshua Bell, and has worked with the Sondheim Foundation in New York as composer/arranger.

Mr Ellacott has also taught music therapy and worked at the Sorbonne. Later this year he will accompany American singer Josh Groban on his tour of Canada.

Provost John Hulbert, on behalf of the Award Trustees, presented Mr Ellacott with an inscribed quaich, a framed scroll and a cheque for £750.

The David K Thomson Award Trust was set up by ex-Lord Provost David K Thomson of Perth Town Council at the end of his six year period of service in May 1972 from the proceeds of a Public Testimonial Fund for his behalf.

The purpose of the Trust is “to make an Award or Awards preferably annually to any person or persons residing within the County of Perth or (after local government reorganisation) within the local government District of Perth and Kinross who has or have in the sole opinion of the Trustees either rendered service to the community or achieved success in the sphere of sport and/or music and/or art and/or other recreational or cultural activity”.