The chief executive of one of the leading orchestras in the UK and across the world received recognition in The King's New Year Honours List.
Michael Eakin, from Altrincham, the chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Mr Eakin arrived in the North West after a career in the sector in Reading, Berkshire, which led to his appointment as the director of arts and leisure for the council. He led the establishment of a major music festival, WOMAD Festival, and the reopening of the concert hall in the town.
Appointed in 2008 as the chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, after a stint at Arts Council England, he is at the helm of one of the leading orchestras in the UK and across the world as well as its linked organisations and the city centre concert hall it uses as its venue.
Achievements include a significant increase in the ambition, and success, of "The Phil's" programmes and a multi-million-pound renovation of the venue.
His OBE is for services to music and to the community in Liverpool.
Mr Eakin said: "I am proud to be awarded this honour. Throughout my career it has been a joy to work in the arts and nowhere more so than at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
"This organisation is central to the cultural identity and life of Liverpool and, indeed, the UK. It reaches right across our community, entertaining and inspiring hundreds of thousands of people through our programmes.
"Royal Liverpool Philharmonic enjoys support from local people and partners and I can think of no better city in which to lead a music organisation.
"I am privileged to work with an incredible team of colleagues and this award is as much a recognition for their work and dedication as it is for me."
Mr Eakin is one of a number of residents in Altrincham and across Trafford to receive recognition in The King's New Year Honours List.
The honours mark the achievements of those who make contributions to the community or to the country via work in any number of areas.
Anyone is able to nominate anyone else for honours.
For information on nominations go to gov.uk/honours.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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