Joe Coomber at the 1980 Gold Badge Awards
Where it all began
In 1944, the Composers Guild of Great Britain (CGGB) formed, to represent the interests of classical composers, including composers for film.
The British Songwriters Protection Guild of Great Britain was founded in 1947. Over its history, it renamed to become the Songwriters Guild of Great Britain, and later still, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).
In 1976, the Association of Professional Composers (APC) was founded to exclusively represent professional composers, predominately media composers.
Ben Drew wins three awards at The Ivors 2011. Photo by Mark Allan
Uniting three bodies
In the mid-1990s the three guilds began to work more closely together through the Alliance of Composer Organisations (ACO). By 1999 the original three guilds had amalgamated to become the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
In 2009, the Academy re-branded as the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, having the acronym of BASCA once again.
An Ivor Novello award statuette being made by hand from solid bronze
The pinnacle of songwriting achievement
In 1956, BASCA created The Ivor Novello Awards, to represent the ultimate in musical achievement and peer recognition in the industry. The Ivors are named in honour of Ivor Novello, Britain’s most successful and distinguished theatrical composer at the time, and a founding member of BASCA.
Since their creation in the 50s, The Ivors have become a cornerstone of the musical calendar and an internationally recognised icon of songwriting craft.
Read more on the history of The Ivors here
Sarah Rodgers, David Bedford and Roger Wright at the first British Composer Awards in 2003
Celebrating brilliance in composition
BASCA founded the British Composer Awards in 2003, to promote the art of composition, recognise the creative talent of classical composers and sound artists, and bring their music to a wider audience. Over 15 years, the BCAs earned a reputation for doing just that. They were rebranded in 2019 to The Ivors Composer Awards and from 2023 are known as The Ivors Classical Awards.
more about The Ivors Classical Awards
Chair Crispin Hunt at The Ivors 2018. Photo by Mark Allan
A new identity
In 2019, in response to a changing industry climate, and having defined a new strategic vision, with a new Board and Committees, BASCA rebranded to become The Ivors Academy. We aim to represent music creators across all of the UK, at all stages of their careers, in whatever genre they work. Our new positioning and identity is inclusive, proud and clear, helping our voice to be heard on the world stage.
