By Rory Reynolds
HOLYWOOD composer Craig Armstrong enjoyed a degree of success when he was given an honourary doctorate at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday.
The Glasgow-born soundtrack writer – who has penned scores for blockbuster hits Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge – accepted the award from Edinburgh Napier University for an outstanding career in the music industry.
The two-time BAFTA award-winner took some time out from working on the score of Michael Douglas thriller Wall Street 2 to congratulate music students for graduating.
He said: “I would like to thank the university for this honourary degree.
“I have received a number of awards over my lifetime but this one is particularly meaningful, as it has its roots embedded in education and learning.
“Institutions like the Edinburgh Napier School of Music are so important and help nurture the next generation of musical talent.
“I wish the many gifted students graduating from the School of Music today all the very best and hope that, just as I have been inspired by their achievements, they are inspired by mine.”
The world-renowned, Golden Globe-winning composer who has worked on the Oscar-winning Ray Charles biopic Ray, has in the past collaborated with U2, Madonna and Pavarotti.
Edinburgh Napier Principal Professor Dame Joan Stringer said that graduates were “thrilled” to have Craig there on their big day.
She said: “We are delighted to be honouring individuals who have made such significant contributions to enriching our culture, building our economies and serving our communities.
“Their achievements, together with their qualities, will serve to inspire our students.”
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