The Ivors Classical Awards 2024
ELEVEN COMPOSERS HONOURED WITH IVOR NOVELLO AWARDS TONIGHT AT THE IVORS CLASSICAL AWARDS, INCLUDING ERROLLYN WALLEN, ROXANNA PANUFNIK AND GAVIN BRYARS
#TheIvorsClassicalAwards
In a glittering, buzzing night at he BFI Southbank, a plethora of awards acted as a reminder of the vibrant world we actually do live in. On a musical level, anyway. The text below is the official press release, occasionally annotated by myself.
- Special awards given to Errollyn Wallen (Academy Fellowship), Roxanna Panufnik (Outstanding Works Collection) and Gavin Bryars (Innovation Award in association with the Musicians’ Union)
- Five composers won Ivor Novello Awards for the very first time – Gavin Bryars, Bushra El-Turk, Cassandra Miller, Laurence Osborn and Roxanna Panufnik
- Matthew Herbert, Gavin Higgins, Brian Irvine, Dan Jones, Rebecca Saunders and Errollyn Wallen have all previously received awards from The Ivors Academy
- The Awards ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Kate Molleson and Tom Service, and will be broadcast on the New Music Show and on BBC Sounds on 16 November at 10:30pm
The Ivors Academy tonight [12 November] revealed the winners of 11 Ivor Novello Awards at The Ivors Classical Awards, celebrating the best new classical music and sound art by British, Irish and UK resident composers. The winners were announced during a ceremony hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Kate Molleson and Tom Service at the British Film Institute in London. BBC Radio 3 will broadcast the ceremony on 16 November from 10:30pm in a special edition of the New Music Show and the episode will also be available on BBC Sounds. The Ivors Classical Awards are supported by PRS for Music and BBC Radio 3 are the broadcast partner. New for 2024, Presto Music has become the exclusive streaming partner for the Awards and Dorico sponsored the Best Orchestral Composition award. The Musicians’ Union returns as the sponsor of the Innovation Award, while ABRSM sponsored the Best Community and Participation Composition award.
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said "The Ivors Classical Awards celebrate extraordinary accomplishments in contemporary classical music and sound art. Tonight, we honour the composers who are shaping our musical landscape. These awards underscore the Academy's commitment to championing true originality and craft.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said “It’s an honour to see such remarkable talent recognised at The Ivors Classical Awards. This evening’s winners and nominees reflect the dynamic, evolving world of classical composition and sound art. We are proud to support composers who lead with passion and a profound dedication to connecting, challenging and inspiring us.”
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO, PRS for Music, said: “Congratulations to all the composers and sound artists on their Ivor Novello Award recognition. The Ivors Classical Awards play a crucial role in championing the creativity of composition, inspiring both recognition of historical influences and fostering the growth of future classical innovations. Winning, or being nominated for an Ivor Novello, is a prestigious honour that acknowledges a composer’s contribution to our industry and the wider culture and arts sector.”
Sam Jackson, BBC Radio 3 Controller, said “It’s a joy to celebrate tonight’s winners, including composing trailblazers such as Errollyn Wallen, Roxanna Panufnik and Gavin Bryars – musicians that we regularly feature on BBC Radio 3. As we continue to champion and commission new works, we can proudly say that showcasing contemporary music is at the heart of our schedules, from weekly programmes such as the New Music Show, to our recently-launched 24/7 stream Radio 3 Unwind. We are grateful for our partnership with The Ivors Academy, and we look forward to sharing highlights from this evening’s celebration on the New Music Show this Saturday. Well done to all the winners and nominees.”
GIFT OF THE ACADEMY AWARDS
ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP – ERROLLYN WALLEN
Errollyn Wallen was honoured with Fellowship of The Ivors Academy – the highest honour the Academy bestows. Wallen was inducted into Fellowship during the ceremony, seeing her become the 28th Fellow and joining a prestigious list that includes John Adams, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Judith Weir, John Rutter, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Armatrading and Julian Joseph.
Errollyn Wallen's music has been central to major national events, including the London 2012 Paralympic Games, BBC Proms, and the Jubilees of Elizabeth II. In 2013, she became the first female composer to receive an Ivor Novello Award for classical music, and this year, she was named Master of the King’s Music. Known for her blend of personal and historical themes, Wallen's works range from Meet Me at Harold Moores, inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and JS Bach, to Mighty River, marking the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in England, and her reimagined Jerusalem for the 2020 BBC Proms, reframed the hymn through the ears of the Windrush generation to highlight the musical connections between Britain and the Commonwealth.
The Academy recognises Wallen as a pioneering composer and songwriter whose influence on the UK’s musical landscape is significant, stating that “ “as a champion for inclusive music-making, her induction into the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy recognises her exceptional achievements and the creative excellence of her work.”
You can read my review of Wallen's Dido's Ghost at Trinity Laban Opera on the Gramophone website here.
OUTSTANDING WORKS COLLECTION – ROXANNA PANUFNIK
Roxanna Panufnik received her first Ivor Novello Award tonight in recognition of her consistently exceptional body of work. Previous recipients of this award include esteemed composers such as George Benjamin, Harrison Birtwistle, Erika Fox, Cecilia McDowall, Thea Musgrave, John Tavener, Mark Anthony Turnage and Judith Weir.
Her breakthrough piece, Westminster Mass, was commissioned to honour Cardinal Basil Hume and established her reputation for expressive, clear word-setting and harmonic depth. Panufnik’s choral compositions range from her Tallinn Mass, featuring Estonian poetry, to the Zen-inspired Wild Ways, which integrates a Japanese shakuhachi flute. A devoted advocate for choral music, she hopes to inspire young singers as a Patron of the Diamond Fund for Choristers. Her broader repertoire includes operas and instrumental works that explore global musical traditions, such as Four World Seasons and Abraham, which unite faiths and cultures in a celebration of shared beauty.
The Academy celebrates Panufnik’s diverse achievements across choral, opera and instrumental compositions, highlighting her ability to bridge diverse faiths and cultures through music. They noted that “her commitment to fostering cultural connections through music is a hallmark of her artistic vision”.
You can read more about Roxanna Panufnik on Classical Explorer here.
INNOVATION AWARD IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MUSICIANS’ UNION– GAVIN BRYARS
Gavin Bryars was presented a Gift of the Academy award for Innovation, celebrating his visionary approach to composition and the impact his music has had on fellow composers. Previous recipients of this award include Matthew Herbert, Shiva Feshareki, Anna Meredith, Talvin Singh, Jennifer Walshe, Cleveland Watkiss and Trevor Wishart.
Bryars, a former philosophy student turned jazz bassist, helped pioneer British free improvisation and approaches composition as a vast creative field. His groundbreaking worksThe Sinking of the Titanic and Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet explore time and memory, with the latter gaining new life in a 1993 version featuring Tom Waits that was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Known for integrating “music which refers to other music,” Bryars’ compositions evoke reflective, timeless experiences that remain accessible yet deeply inventive.
The Academy acknowledges Bryars as a trailblazer in free improvisation, with significant contributions across various mediums including stage, ballet, film and art galleries in addition to concert halls. They praised Bryars’ work as “consistently original and experimental whilst remaining accessible, making a distinctive impact on British musical culture.”
CATEGORY AWARDS
BEST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE COMPOSITION – LAURENCE OSBORN ‘TOMB!’
Laurence Osborn’s TOMB!, composed for strings, percussion and piano, was awarded the Best Chamber Ensemble Composition award. Commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Cheltenham Festival and Kings Place, the work was performed by 12 Ensemble and GBSR Duo.
The judges called the piece “a masterful blend of the old and new, where tradition is re-envisioned with intelligence and charisma, paying homage to the past without ever falling into mere imitation” and “a tour de force of technique”, earning Osborn his first Ivor Novello Award.
Here's the LPO's introduction to Osborn from 2017/18, when he was one of their Young Composers:
BEST CHORAL COMPOSITION – CASSANDRA MILLER ‘THE CITY, FULL OF PEOPLE’
Cassandra Miller received her first Ivor Novello Award for The City, Full of People, a piece for mixed choir of 16 singers that was commissioned by Éamonn Quinn of Louth Contemporary Music Society. The commission was jointly funded by Louth Contemporary Music Society and The Robert D. Bielecki Foundation. The piece was performed by the National Chamber Choir Ireland and Paul Hillier at King’s College Chapel in Aberdeen as part of the Aberdeen Sound Festival.
The judges felt that Miller’s piece “radiates an ecstatic quality, exquisitely crafted with originality and sophistication, creating a meditative and immersive experience” whilst noting that “the composition feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, making it a truly transformative journey for the senses.”
Here's an Example of Miller's work: Perfect Offering, performed by Explore Ensemble:
BEST COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION COMPOSITION in association with ABRSM – BRIAN IRVINE ‘A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY (AN EASTERHOUSE CHILDREN’S MANIFESTO)
Brian Irvine’s A Children’s Guide to Anarchy – written for ensemble and singers – won the Best Community and Participation Composition award. The work was commissioned by Dumbworld and Red Note Ensemble and is a collection of seven musical animated video posters, exploring ideas of personal autonomy, kindness and human connectivity from a child’s perspective. The libretto was created by John McIlduff and children of Oakwood Primary School, Easterhouse and was performed by Red Note Ensemble and Oakwood Primary School in Glasgow.
The judges felt that the project offered “a truly immersive experience for the young participants, beautifully integrating contemporary music” and that “the authentic voices of the children shone throughout, both in the creation and the performance, making their contributions feel genuine and integral”.
This is Brian Irvine’s second Ivor Novello Award, having won the Best Stage Work category in 2023 for Least Like the Other: Searching for Rosemary Kennedy.
BEST LARGE ENSEMBLE COMPOSITION – MATTHEW HERBERT ‘THE HORSE’
Matthew Herbert’s The Horse, written for orchestra, horse skeleton and electronics, collected the Best Large Ensemble Composition award. This is Herbert’s second Ivor Novello Award, having received the Innovation Award in association with the Musicians’ Union in 2023. The piece received its live premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in a performance by Matthew Herbert, Momoko Gill, Hugh Jones, Eoin McCaul, Gracel Delos and the London Contemporary Orchestra.
The judges commended The Horse as “a visionary work, showcasing the composer’s bold and inventive approach” and that “it masterfully brings a unique vision to life, daring to push boundaries while maintaining broad appeal – it’s innovative nature and ability to engage a wide and diverse audience make it truly remarkable.”
Here's a “Making of ...” video about Herbert's piece:
BEST ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION in association with Dorico – GAVIN HIGGINS ‘HORN CONCERTO’
Gavin Higgins’ Horn Concerto won Best Orchestral Composition. Commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and Philharmonie Zuidnederland, the work was performed by Ben Goldscheider and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Jaime Martin, at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. This Is Higgins’ second Ivor Novello Award, having won Best Orchestral Composition for his Trombone Concerto The Book of Miracles in 2019.
The judges described the piece as “a striking and memorable work that pushes the boundaries of traditional concertos, its originality and sophisticated orchestration create a compelling and beautifully crafted piece” and “overall, it stands out for its creativity and musical innovation.”
This one Classical Explorer has a sheaf of info on. Here's our extended interview with Gavin Higgins around the Horn Concerto,
BEST SMALL CHAMBER COMPOSITION – REBECCA SAUNDERS ‘THE MOUTH’
Rebecca Saunders’ piece for soprano and tape – The Mouth – won the Best Small Chamber Composition award. Commissioned by Annie Claire for ManiFeste Festival in Paris, the first UK performance was by Juliet Fraser and Newton Armstrong at the Britten Studio in Snape Maltings as part of the Aldeburgh Festival. This is Saunders’ second Ivor Novello Award having won the Best Orchestral Composition award in 2022 for To an utterance.
The judges referred to the piece as “a stunning, dream-like journey that captures the essence of a Joycean narrative, blending deep emotion with poetic beauty” and that “it resonates powerfully, delivering a visceral impact that truly hits you in the gut.”
Here's The Mouth:
The soloist there is Juliet Fraser, and here's my review of the 2017 Ernst von Siemens Prize concert in Munich, during which Fraser sang Saunders' Skin:. Although not that specific performance, here is Fraser in Skin, this time with the Talea Ensemble under James Blake in New York in 2022:
BEST SOUND ART – DAN JONES ‘EACH TINY DROP’
Dan Jones’ Each Tiny Drop – a sonic accompaniment to Risham Syed’s interactive water ritual on the banks of the River Medlock – was commissioned by Factory International to open the Manchester International Festival and celebrate connections between Manchester and Pakistan. The work won the Best Sound Art category and is Jones’ fourth Ivor Novello Award, having won Best Original Film Score for Max in 2004, Best Television Soundtrack for Any Human Heart in 2011 and Best Television Soundtrack for The Miniaturist in 2018.
The judges praised Dan’s sonic accompaniment saying “The sound composition harmonizes seamlessly with the various elements of this large scale artwork, utilizing 64 loudspeakers to create a powerful sonic trail that weaves through Mansfield Park for the ritual water walk.” adding that “this poignant performance places migration at its core, celebrating Britain’s rich cultural diversity while highlighting the importance of our natural resources.”
BEST STAGE WORK COMPOSITION – BUSHRA EL-TURK ‘WOMAN AT POINT ZERO’
Bushra El-Turk received her first Ivor Novello Award for Woman at Point Zero, her opera for two voices, ancient folk instruments and pre-recorded audio samples. Commissioned by LOD Muziektheater, the work features a libretto by Stacy Hardy and received its first UK performance at the Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House with Dima Orsho, Carla Nahadi Babelegoto and ensemble ZAR. The work was co-produced by Royal Opera House, Shubbak Festival, Britten Pears Arts, Festival d’Aix, Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg and All Arias Festival.
The judges called it “a truly imaginative and sophisticated work that seamlessly blends various styles, creating a rich and engaging experience” and that “the combination of powerful storytelling and beautifully crafted music enhances the overall experience, making it both intoxicating and unforgettable.”
Here's a trailer for the opera:
The eight categories are judged anonymously, with all identifying information removed from all entered materials seen by the judges. A jury of 42 composer judges from The Ivors Academy considered over 360 works entered for this year’s Awards, resulting in 39 nominated works in the shortlist.
The Ivors Classical Awards celebrates the most outstanding new classical music and sound art by British, Irish or UK resident composers. Previously known as The Ivors Composer Awards, they were originally established in 2003 as the British Composer Awards and became The Ivors Classical Awards in 2023.