The Ivors Composer Awards launch classical-focused rebrand

The Ivors Academy has re-launched the Ivors Composer Awards as the Ivors Classical Awards. The original Composer Awards celebrated jazz composition alongside the work of classical composers but, with the awards rebrand, jazz will be removed from the Classical Awards and the Academy is seeking to establish a jazz-focused awards event in 2024.

As part of this change, Irish composers will join British composers in being eligible for consideration at the Ivors Classical Awards. The new awards will also celebrate music publisher, with UK music publishers also receiving a nomination credit where they own or control the copyright for a nominated piece.

Graham Davies, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said, ‘At a time when classical and jazz music is under threat by our cultural institutions, it is more important than ever to showcase the very best of composition… We are proud to increase the impact of our awards by developing a new space in our yearly programme to celebrate jazz separately to classical and sound art composition.’

Open until 14 July on the Ivors Academy website, entries for the Ivors Classical Awards are welcomed for new music that was heard for the first time by the UK public between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. Works are accepted in eight award categories: chamber, choral, large ensemble and orchestral compositions, staged works, community and participation projects and sound art.

Sponsored by PRS for Music, the Ivors Classical Awards are set to take place on 14 November at London’s BFI Southbank. The event will be broadcast as an Ivors Classical Award Special on BBC Radio 3’s New Music Show on 18 November.