Ivors Classical Awards 2025 Honour Britain’s Most Innovative Composers
The 2025 Ivors Classical Awards were more than a ceremony — they were a celebration of what makes British music thrilling today. Hosted at London’s BFI Southbank, the evening honored both giants and rising stars, from Anne Dudley to Luke Mombrea, and Anoushka Shankar to Debbie Wiseman. Nine Ivor Novello Awards were presented across six categories, each judged anonymously by a panel of 30 composers — a peer recognition that carries a weight all its own. Highlights included Orb
3 days ago1 min read
Luke Mombrea Wins Best Small Chamber Composition at Ivors 2025
Emerging composer Luke Mombrea demonstrated to the audience why contemporary classical music resonates as the pulse of the present. His acclaimed chamber piece, Black Gold , transports listeners to the 1928 Santa Fe Springs oil fires, transforming a historical event into an immersive auditory experience. Commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra, the composition merges live instruments with electronics, crafting a tense and visceral soundscape. The judges lauded its “rich
3 days ago1 min read
Anoushka Shankar Innovation Without Boundaries
The Innovation Award at last night’s Ivors Classical Awards seemed almost destined for Anoushka Shankar. She epitomizes musical curiosity, serving as a bridge between the Indian classical tradition and modern expression. For Shankar, the sitar is more than just an instrument; it is a storyteller. Through her collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, and Sting, she illustrates that music transcends borders. From Anna Karenina to the BBC adaptation of A Suitable Boy ,
3 days ago1 min read

