The celebrated choreographer Matthew Bourne and the musician and music video director Kevin Godley became LIPA Companions during the Institute's graduation ceremony on 25 July.
They were among seven luminaries who were presented with the award by LIPA co-founder Sir Paul McCartney.
Matthew has five Olivier Awards on his CV and, among other production credits, created a new version of Swan Lake which has an all-male ensemble and featured in the film Billy Elliot. Kevin is a founder member of rock/pop group 10cc and a music video producer. After leaving 10cc he went on to form duo Godley & Creme with former 10cc band mate Lol Creme.
Matthew and Kevin were joined by stage and production manager Jason Barnes, UK pantomime producer Michael Harrison, choreographer and creative director Gary Lloyd, sound engineer and sound designer Owen Lewis, and reminiscence arts pioneer Pam Schweitzer.
LIPA awards Companionships for two reasons: outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning.
Victor Greenberg, a promoter of live jazz in Liverpool and one of LIPA’s original supporters, became an Honoured Friend.