General info
* The deadline to submit works for The Ivors Composer Awards 2020 had been extended to Thursday 16 July at 5pm. Due to the impact of the pandemic we wanted to provide as much opportunity as possible to anyone wishing to enter works. *
Ivor Novello Awards are presented at The Ivors Composer Awards to composers in recognition of works which have received their UK premiere during the awards year.
Anyone can enter a work, including the composer. There is a £10 administration fee per entry, which is waived if the composer is a member of The Ivors Academy. To find out about joining The Ivors Academy click here. Membership bursaries are offered by The Ivors Academy Trust should there be a financial barrier to joining, please contact the membership team at membership@ivorsacademy.com to find out more.
Following an annual review of the Composer Awards’ categories, a number of changes have been made for 2020 to broaden the categories whilst ensuring large scale commissions, which are so important to composers, receive profile. Works that would have been entered into previously distinct categories are still invited in these broader categories.
Please enter Solo or Duo works into Small Chamber; works for Wind Band or Brass Band into either Large Chamber, Chamber Orchestral or Community and Participation as is appropriate. Please enter works composed for Amateur or Young Performers or Community and Educational Projects into Community and Participation.
To be eligible composers must be UK born or be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and the work must have received its UK premiere performance, either live or broadcast during the 12 months prior to 31 March 2020.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Small Chamber
works, with or without electronics, composed for one to five instruments and for one player or voice per part
Large Chamber
works, with or without electronics, primarily composed for six to eighteen instruments and for one instrument or voice per part
Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble
jazz compositions, composed for one to eight instruments or voices and which contain interactive improvisation as an essential element
Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble
jazz compositions, composed for nine or more instruments or voices and which contain interactive improvisation as an essential element
Choral
works specifically composed for voices; either a cappella or accompanied
Chamber Orchestral
works, with or without electronics, composed for up to thirty-six players
Large Orchestral
large symphonic orchestral works, with or without electronics, including works for choir and orchestra
Stage Works
works specifically written for the stage, including opera, dance and musical theatre
Sound Art
non-concert format, sound art works, including installations, sculptural, electroacoustic and audience-interactive works
Community and Participation
works composed for voluntary, amateur or youth performers and/or community engagement