The shortlist for the 2012 British Composer Awards was announced yesterday afternoon. The Awards, which mark their 10th anniversary this year, are run by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) in association with BBC Radio 3, and are sponsored by PRS for Music. The winners in each category will be revealed at a ceremony at Goldsmith’s Hall on December 3, to be broadcast by Radio 3 on Sunday, December 9.

This year over 300 works were submitted by multiple composers, but just one name, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, has been shortlisted in more than one category – Vocal and Orchestral. The composer’s works have been shortlisted in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and topped their categories in 2005 and 2007.

‘In the year in which BASCA presents the British Composer Awards for the 10th consecutive occasion, it is a delight to announce a shortlist which so clearly demonstrates the range, reach and richness of contemporary composition in the UK today,’ said Awards chairman Sarah Rodgers. ‘We are proud to take the lead in celebrating Britain's many talented composers.’

This year, BASCA will also present a 10th anniversary concert at the Southbank Centre on December 5, featuring 11 choral and chamber works that have won British Composer Awards through the years performed by Endymion and The Vasari Singers.

Visit the British Composer Awards website for a full list of the shortlisted works.