The Ivors Academy this evening announced The Ivors Composer Awards 2019 winners at a glittering ceremony at the British Museum in London, presented by BBC Radio 3’s Kate Molleson and Tom Service.
Ivor Novello Awards were presented across eleven nominated categories that included jazz composition, works for chamber ensemble and those written for Amateur or Young Performers. In addition, two composers were recognised for their wider contribution to music through the presentation of Ivor Novello Awards for Innovation and Lifetime Achievement. Of the thirteen composers awarded, all but one was honoured by The Ivors Academy for the very first time, with the majority presented to female composers.
Crispin Hunt, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “It is a privilege for The Ivors Academy to honour these exceptional composers, and we’re especially delighted to have so many first-time winners this year. The works recognised today – and the creators behind them – adventure far into the evolving musical landscape. We’re thrilled to award such a rich variety of talent. Our congratulations go out to all the nominees and winners.”
The Ivors Composer Awards, now in its 17th year and previously known as the British Composer Awards, celebrate and honour the best new works by UK contemporary composers in Classical, Jazz and Sound Art. They celebrate the art of composition and are sponsored by PRS for Music. The event is in association with BBC Radio 3 providing exclusive broadcast coverage.
Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3, said: “At Radio 3 we believe arts and music are an essential part of what it means to be human. That’s why we’re proud to support innovators in contemporary music as the broadcast partner of The Ivors Composer Awards – it’s part of our commitment to experimental music and pushing boundaries of sound, and through that, understanding. Congratulations to all the winners and those on the short list, without you sharing new ideas and pushing the whole musical scene forward, the world would be a less interesting place musically.”
Nigel Elderton, Chairman, PRS for Music, said: “Congratulations from all of us at PRS for Music to all of the winners and nominees especially those who have won an Ivor Novello Award for the first time, it was an honour to celebrate their achievements this evening. Thank you for the fantastic music you create, and I hope this evening is one of many excellent moments in your careers.”
The Ivors Composer Awards 2019 Winners:
AMATEUR OR YOUNG PERFORMERS
The Salamander and The Moonraker by Edward Gregson
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Flute Concerto by Dai Fujikura
CHORAL
Pocket Universe by Geoff Hannan
COMMUNITY OR EDUCATIONAL PROJECT
Convo by Charlotte Harding
JAZZ COMPOSITION FOR LARGE ENSEMBLE
Jumping In by Laura Jurd
JAZZ COMPOSITION FOR SMALL ENSEMBLE
There is a Crack in Everything by Alison Rayner
ORCHESTRAL
The Book of Miracles (Trombone Concerto) by Gavin Higgins
SMALL CHAMBER
Leafleoht by James Weeks
SOLO OR DUO
Invisible Cities by Charlotte Bray
SOUND ART
Aeons: A Sound Walk for Newcastle by Martin Green
STAGE WORKS
Harriet (‘Scenes in the life of Harriet Tubman’) by Hilda Paredes
INNOVATION
Anna Meredith MBE
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Erika Fox
During the awards ceremony Sally Beamish, the recipient of the 2018 Inspiration Award, performed Exequy for solo viola, in memory of composer John Joubert who passed away in January 2019.
BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a programme dedicated to The Ivors Composer Awards at 9pm to 11pm on Sunday, 8th December.
