The 2024 Ivors Classical Awards recognised 11 composers in its annual ceremony. Hosted by BBC Radio 3's Kate Molleson and Tom Service yesterday, on 12 November at the BFI Southbank, the event saw major industry figures present and receive awards for outstanding composition of music premiered in the UK.

The Ivor's Academy's highest honour, the Academy Fellowship, was awarded to Errollyn Wallen, seeing her become the 28th Fellow and joining a prestigious list that includes John Adams, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Judith Weir CBE and John Rutter. Other special awards included Roxanna Panufnik, who received an award for Outstanding Works Collection, and Gavin Bryars who received an Ivor Novello Award for Innovation. 

Speaking of the Awards, Chair of The Ivors Academy Tom Gray said: 'Tonight, we honour the composers who are shaping our musical landscape. These awards underscore the Academy's commitment to championing true originality and craft.' 

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 Winners 2023

BEST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE COMPOSITION

TOMB! composed by Laurence Osborn
for strings, percussion and piano, 20 minutes

Commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Cheltenham Festival and Kings Place and performed by 12 Ensemble and GBSR Duo on 19 May 2023 at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

BEST CHORAL COMPOSITION

THE CITY, FULL OF PEOPLE composed by Cassandra Miller
for mixed choir of 16 singers, 16 minutes

BEST COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION COMPOSITION in association with ABRSM

A CHILDREN'S GUIDE TO ANARCHY (AN EASTERHOUSE CHILDREN'S MANIFESTO) composed by Brian Irvine
for ensemble and singers, 19 minutes

BEST LARGE ENSEMBLE COMPOSITION

THE HORSE composed by Matthew Herbert
for orchestra, horse skeleton and electronics, 80 minutes

BEST ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION in association with Dorico

HORN CONCERTO composed by Gavin Higgins
for horn and orchestra, 30 minutes

BEST SMALL CHAMBER COMPOSITION

THE MOUTH composed by Rebecca Saunders
for soprano and tape, 20 minutes

BEST SOUND ART

EACH TINY DROP by Dan Jones
Sonic accompaniment to Risham Syed’s interactive water ritual on the banks of the River Medlock commissioned by Factory International

BEST STAGE WORK COMPOSITION

WOMAN AT POINT ZERO composed by Bushra El-Turk
Opera for two voices, ancient folk instruments and pre-recorded audio samples, 60 minutes

INNOVATION AWARD in association with the MUSICIANS’ UNION
Gavin Bryars

OUTSTANDING WORKS COLLECTION
Roxanna Panufnik

ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
Errollyn Wallen