[Standard] A compilation of popular songs recommended for award ceremonies [Classical / BGM]
An awards ceremony is a classic feature at sports tournaments and school field days.
That moment when the lively buzz suddenly quiets down and everyone in the venue focuses on the winner—it brings a touch of tension and a sense of excitement, doesn’t it?
This time, we’ve put together a selection of BGM tracks to liven up your awards ceremony.
We’ve picked a wide range: from staple classical pieces to film scores and video game music.
If you start with this playlist, you’ll never struggle to find music for your ceremony!
Be sure to bookmark it!
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- A catchy tune that sounds familiar
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[Classics] A Collection of Recommended Popular Songs for Award Ceremonies [Classical/BGM] (21–30)
Proof of a HeroKōda Masato
From the title alone, it’s a piece you’ll want to hear at an award ceremony! Composed by Masato Koda, a composer from Yamanashi Prefecture, this signature track was written as the theme for the hugely popular action game Monster Hunter.
From the very beginning, it exudes a grand atmosphere reminiscent of an opening movie in a film.
The tense section in the middle evokes the sense of overcoming countless challenges—so cool, right? If your achievements were celebrated to this music, you’d feel like a true hero.
Highly recommended!
Overturesugiyama kouichi
When it comes to Koichi Sugiyama, the first thing that comes to mind is the music from Dragon Quest, but beyond video game music, he also left behind many works in popular music—such as for Candies and The Tigers—and in anime, including Cyborg 009 and Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, among others.
The fanfares used at racecourses overseen by the JRA are also Sugiyama’s compositions.
You may have heard many of his works in places you wouldn’t expect.
The Overture from Dragon Quest, which everyone knows, might be perfect for elementary and junior high school sports events.
You can also find orchestral arrangement recordings on video sites!
Ride of the ValkyriesRihyaruto Wāgunā
When it comes to emblematic works by Germany’s renowned composer Richard Wagner, “Ride of the Valkyries” stands out.
Its grand and tempestuous character makes it perfect for celebrating victors after a fierce battle.
The piece was composed as part of the second opera in the cycle The Ring of the Nibelung.
Since “Ride of the Valkyries” serves as the theme for the warrior goddesses who appear in the work, it’s thematically well-suited even for athletic events.
Learning about the piece’s roots might just make you hear it in a new way.
Radetzky MarchJohann Strauss I
How about the Radetzky March, one of the most popular pieces in classical music? It’s a tune everyone has heard as the background music for entrance marches at sports festivals and athletic meets.
It was composed by Johann Strauss I, a composer from Austria.
The piece is said to have been written in honor of General Radetzky, who quelled the independence movement in Northern Italy amid the revolution that broke out in Paris in 1848.
It’s perfect for celebrating winners at award ceremonies, so consider using it as your background music.
It’s a small worldRichard M. SHERMAN / Robert B. SHERMAN
Everyone loves Disneyland’s attraction “it’s a small world.” The song with the same name might be perfect for award ceremonies at sporting events, too! Its cute, cheerful vibe could also make it great background music for preschool or kindergarten sports days.
After all, rivals who compete and battle it out can become friends once the game is over—an ideal situation for this song, which says, “the world is one.” There’s also a version sung by AKB48 uploaded on video sites.
Be sure to check it out for reference!
TannhäuserRihyaruto Wāgunā
If you prefer something on the poppier side, I recommend Tannhäuser, composed by Richard Wagner.
Tannhäuser is officially titled Tannhäuser and the Singers’ Contest at Wartburg, a three-act opera, and the section often used at school sports festivals is the Grand March from Act II.
It’s also frequently used in commercials, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.
Using this piece is sure to give your awards ceremony a bright, uplifting atmosphere.
From the New WorldAntonin Dovoruzaak
One of the signature works by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák is his Symphony No.
9, “From the New World.” In Japan, the second movement is especially well known.
Many people will recognize it if you mention Keizo Horiuchi’s lyrics “Tooki yama ni hi wa ochite” (“The sun sets behind distant mountains”).
In some areas, this melody plays at 5 p.m.
It’s a piece that makes you want to go home when you hear it, but it also suits award ceremonies perfectly.
I’m sure most of you have heard it at a ceremony at least once.
When honoring someone who has contributed to the local community, this is definitely a piece you’ll want to use.