A RENOWNED DJ turned lecturer is celebrating after adding a new award to his trophy cabinet.

Graeme Park, who is originally from Aberdeen, appeared alongside a host of stars at this year’s Scottish Music Awards, held online on Saturday night – and ended the evening by securing the Innovation award for his Haçienda Classical live show.

The show takes music from the Haçienda – where Graeme, alongside Mike Pickering, was a legendary DJ during the rise of acid house – and re-imagines it to be played by an orchestra.

It has played to packed audiences across the globe as well as becoming a festival mainstay – including a slot opening the Glastonbury festival as well as a series of headlining roles across the globe.

Graeme, who lectures on Creative Media Technology at Wrexham Glyndwr University, has also helped provide his students with valuable work experience behind the scenes at Haçienda Classical concerts – giving them the chance to apply their studies in a real-world setting, as well as the opportunity to see their lecturer perform in front of thousands.

He said: “I’m delighted that the work the Haçienda Classical team has done on our shows has been recognised with this award – and the fact it’s a Scottish award makes it even better!

“It has been a tough year for many in our industry and so getting an award like this at least reminds people that their work is not forgotten.

“Over the past few months, I’ve worked alongside Nordoff Robbins – who support the Scottish Music Awards – to stream live sets and to help raise funds for their vital work supporting musicians and those in the music industry – many of whom have found 2020 a trying year.

“That goes as much for those behind the scenes as those on stage – as a senior lecturer, I’ve helped our students gain valuable work experience alongside sound techs, lighting engineers, and all the other people who make events like Haçienda Classical happen and make the show so good.

“That means they learn valuable skills in a real-life environment – and one of the things you learn straight away is an event like a Haçienda Classical gig really is a team effort.

“It takes a lot of people all working together to pull a show like this off – and I’d like to dedicate this award to all of them. I’d also like to make a special mention of Peter Hook, as without his support, none of this would have ever happened.

“Let’s hope we see each other out on a dancefloor – or in a festival field – soon.”