DiDonato was named best singer for her performance as Rosina in the Barber of Seville at Covent Garden, which the judges called "a revelatory celebration of Rossini's style and spirit." Alsop won the BBC Radio 3 listeners award for her work with the Bournemouth Symphony. Listeners called her "a breath of fresh air in the music world" and "a fantastic charismatic conductor" and praised her "boundless enthusiasm."

Elder won the conductor award for his work with Manchester's Hall_ Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Opera House. Marwood was named best instrumentalist for his performances of contemporary repertoire.

The Welsh National Opera's production of Berg's Wozzeck, set in a baked bean factory and directed by Richard Jones and conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, was named best opera. The award "recognizes the musical and dramatic excellence displayed by an entire company—singers, orchestra and conductor, production and technical team—in realising and touring one of the greatest 20th-century operas."

Tenor Andrew Kennedy received the young artist award. Composition awards went to James Dillon (in the chamber category) for his Fourth String Quartet and to Julian Anderson (in the large scale category) for The Book of Hours.

Vocal ensemble I Fagiolini was named top ensemble; the Leopold String Trio won the chamber music award.

The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio 3's Sean Rafferty; awards were presented by soprano Felicity Palmer CBE. The keynote speech was given by comedian, writer, and broadcaster Armando Iannucci. The RPS was founded in 1813 and began presenting awards in 1989. Musicians of any nationality may be honored, but awards are given for achievements within the United Kingdom.