This is a summary of 2011 in music in the United Kingdom.
Events
1 January – Musicians honoured in the Queen's New Year Honours list include mezzo-soprano Felicity Palmer (CBE) and composer Howard Goodall (CBE), Richard Thompson (OBE) and Annie Lennox (OBE). 14 April – On his sixtieth birthday, Julian Lloyd Webber gives the première of American composer Eric Whitacre's "The River Cam", written specially for the occasion. 29 April – The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton includes original music by Paul Mealor and John Rutter as well as traditional works by British composers such as Hubert Parry's setting of the anthem "I was glad" and William Walton's "Crown Imperial". 10–12 June – The Download Festival 2011 takes place at Donington Park. The main stage is headlined by Def Leppard, System of a Down and Linkin Park, the second stage by Pendulum, Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, the Pepsi Max stage by Danzig, Funeral for a Friend and Frank Turner, the Red Bull Bedroom Jam stage by Modestep, Dangerous! and H.E.A.T., and the Jägermeister Acoustic stage by Skindred, Bowling for Soup and Dave McPherson. 11 June – Musicians honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list include Bryan Ferry (CBE), broadcaster Bob Harris (OBE) and jazz singer Claire Martin (OBE). 6 September - PJ Harvey wins the Mercury Prize for her album "Let England Shake", becoming the first (and so far, only) artist to win the accolade twice. 10 September – Edward Gardner conducted the Last Night of the Proms for the first time. The programme included works by Béla Bartók and Franz Liszt as well as the traditional Elgar, and the soloist for "Rule Britannia" was Susan Bullock. A highlight was the première of Peter Maxwell Davies's Musica benevolens. 9 October – Sir Paul McCartney marries Nancy Shevell. 18 October – Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani & Reni announce the reformation of The Stone Roses at London's Soho Hotel. 11 December – Little Mix emerge winners of the 2011 X Factor series. They are the first group entry to win in the programme's eight-year history. Marcus Collins is named runner-up, while Amelia Lily and Misha B finish in third and fourth place respectively.
Publications
Ian Bostridge – A Singer's Notebook
Classical music
New works
Karl Jenkins – The Bards of Wales (cantata) Paul Mealor – Ubi Caritas et Amor Graham Waterhouse – Rhapsodie Macabre Eric Whitacre – The River Cam
Opera
Peter Maxwell Davies – Kommilitonen! Jonathan Dove – Mansfield Park Mark-Anthony Turnage – Anna Nicole
Albums
Nicola Benedetti – Italia
Alfie Boe – Alfie
Bond – Play
Katherine Jenkins – Daydream
Paul Lewis – Schubert: Piano Sonatas
Julian Lloyd Webber – The Art of Julian Lloyd Webber (compilation)
Field recordings
Chris Watson – El Tren Fantasma
Film and incidental music
Lorne Balfe – Ironclad
Neil Brand – Underground
Jonny Greenwood – We Need to Talk About Kevin
British music awards
BRIT Awards
The 2011 BRIT Awards were hosted by James Corden on 15 February 2011. The most notable winners were Tinie Tempah and Arcade Fire, both winning two awards.
British Male Solo Artist: Plan B
British Female Solo Artist: Laura Marling
British Breakthrough Act: Tinie Tempah
British Group: Take That
MasterCard British Album: Sigh No More – Mumford & Sons
British Single: "Pass Out" – Tinie Tempah
International Male Solo Artist: Cee Lo Green
International Female Solo Artist: Rihanna
International Breakthrough Act: Justin Bieber
International Group: Arcade Fire
International Album: The Suburbs – Arcade Fire
British Producer: Markus Dravs
Critics' Choice: Jessie J
Classical BRIT Awards
The 2011 Classical BRIT Awards were held on 12 May 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall, London and hosted by Myleene Klass.
Male Artist of the Year: Antonio Pappano
Female Artist of the Year: Alison Balsom
Newcomer Award: Vilde Frang
Composer of the Year: Arvo Pärt
Critics' Award: Tasmin Little
Artist of the Decade: Il Divo
Album of the Year: Moonlight Serenade – André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra Outstanding Contribution to Music: John Barry (posthumous)
Ivor Novello Awards
The 56th Ivor Novello Awards were held on 19 May 2011 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.