· Multi-award-winning composer and theatre impresario receives Freedom of the City of London

· City's tribute recognises Lord Lloyd Webber's outstanding achievements in, and contribution to, musical theatre and the arts – two days ahead of 40^th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera

· "Delighted and truly grateful to receive the Freedom of the City of London" says Lord Lloyd Webber

Lord Lloyd Webber, who has composed some of the most successful musicals of all time, including The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, and Evita, has received the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall today.

Nominated by Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, and Chair of the Barbican Centre Board and former Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir William Russell, the Freedom recognises Lord Lloyd Webber’s outstanding achievements in, and contribution to, musical theatre and the arts.

Lord Lloyd Webber is one of the few artists to achieve ‘EGOT’ status, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, and the first member of the British arts community to be appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG) in its 700-year history.

He owns six London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with all profits made by his theatres reinvested into the buildings “as his way of thanking the profession which has been so good to [him].”

As a passionate believer in the importance of music in education, Lord Lloyd Webber provides free music lessons to tens of thousands of children on both sides of the Atlantic through his Foundation. He also funds a wide range of scholarships, which enable young performers to have graduate training in musical theatre who would otherwise not receive it.

Lord Lloyd Webber’s Freedom of the City of London comes two days ahead of the 40th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera, which will be marked by a gala performance at His Majesty’s Theatre, four decades after the musical premiered at the then Her Majesty’s Theatre. To align with the anniversary, he is also releasing a newly remixed and remastered version of the 1986 original London cast album of The Phantom of the Opera.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Lord Lloyd Webber said:

“I am delighted to receive the Freedom of the City of London. As we mark forty years of The Phantom of the Opera in London this Friday, and with Michael Harrison’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar about to move into the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, there is much to celebrate. I am truly grateful.”

Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, said:

"Over the last six decades, few people have done more to shape modern musical theatre than Andrew Lloyd Webber. Through hugely popular and enduring works, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew has entertained and inspired audiences across the world, while also helping cement London's place as a global capital of culture. His Freedom of the City of London recognises not only Andrew’s remarkable creative legacy, but also his enduring commitment to nurturing future generations of musical talent and supporting the arts."

Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:

“Whether set in the Paris Opera House, Ancient Egypt, California, or a junkyard in London, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s catalogue of globally celebrated productions has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. I am delighted that we are welcoming him to Guildhall today to pay tribute to his formidable and much admired talent, and I hope that he will have fond memories of his ceremony for many years to come.”

Alderman Sir William Russell said:

"Andrew Lloyd Webber’s name is synonymous with theatrical excellence, and his music has undoubtedly become part of the soundtrack to many millions of lives around the world. Today, Andrew takes his place among the most distinguished figures in the history of the arts to receive the Freedom of the City of London.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent notable recipients include choreographer and theatre director, Dame Arlene Phillips; broadcaster and breast cancer charity ambassador, Gloria Hunniford; former professional football player and manager, Sir Geoff Hurst; City of London Police Commander Umer Khan; and mental health campaigner and former professional heavyweight boxer, Frank Bruno.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Lord Lloyd Webber:

Lord Lloyd Webber is the composer of some of the most successful musicals of all time including The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, and Evita. He owns six London theatres including the iconic London Palladium and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. All the profit made by his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings as his way of thanking the profession which has been so good to him.

He is a passionate believer in the importance of music in education and through his Foundation provides free music lessons to tens of thousands of children on both sides of the Atlantic. He also funds a wide range of scholarships which enable young performers to have graduate training in musical theatre who would otherwise not receive it.

He is one of the few to achieve "EGOT" status having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards and is an honorary life peer. He is the first member of the British arts community to be appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in its 700 year history.