Mezzo-soprano Christine Rice has received the MBE in the New Year Honours.

The honour was presented by his Majesty The King who is recognizing a host of leading and influential figures in music.

Rice is receiving the honour for her services to opera. She is among others who include musical director Dr. Mike Thomas, who receives an MBE for services to the Welsh Male Voice Choirs of the Pelenna Valley and the Cynon Valley and Michael Lloyd, chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent Classics, who was also awarded an OBE for services to classical music.

Classic FM presenter John Suchet was awarded an OBE for services to journalism and charity while the CBE was awarded to film composer George Fenton. Royal Northern College of Music principal Professor Linda Merrick also received a CBE for services to music in higher education as well as the chief executive of the Bristol Music Trust, Louise Mitchell, for services to the arts in Bristol.

Rice has performed at the Royal Opera House as well as the Metropolitan Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, English National Opera, Teatro Real, and the Oper Frankfurt.