RNCM composers shortlisted for British Composer Awards

Alumni Laura Bowler (2008), Sir Harrison Birtwistle (RMCM), Gavin Higgins (2005) and Matt London (2009), and PhD students Robert Laidlow and Lucy Pankhurst have been nominated for British Composer Awards.

The shortlist, announced today (1 November), features 37 composers across 12 categories, including orchestral, jazz, sonic art, chamber ensemble, stage works and wind or brass band.

Gavin Higgins

Laura, an RNCM Tutor in Composition, appears in the Solo or Duo category with A Damned Mob of Scribbling Women, Gavin’s Dark Arteries Suite and Lucy’s Mindscape both compete in the Wind Band or Brass Band category, Matt’s Rituals is in the Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble category, Deep Time by Sir Harrison Birtwistle is in the Orchestral category and Robert’s Lines Between appears in the Small Chamber category.

Highlighting the diversity and innovation that defines today’s musical landscape, the 36 shortlisted works span a choral piece composed to the rhythm of skateboarders; collaborations across the creative arts; a science fiction opera; music inspired by poetry, painting and photography, as well as by history’s greatest composers and mythology; and work marking the First World War Centenary.

The British Composer Awards are presented by BASCA and sponsored by PRS for Music. The event is in association with BBC Radio 3 providing exclusive broadcast coverage.

Lucy Pankhurst

Crispin Hunt, Chair at BASCA, said: ‘In this record-breaking year for entries, BASCA is delighted to celebrate the breadth of works for the British Composer Awards, representing a wealth of UK talent. As ever it’s hugely exciting and inspiring to see the fresh passion represented by our first-time nominees. Congratulations to everyone nominated today.’

Nigel Elderton, PRS for Music Chairman, commented: ‘I am delighted for PRS for Music to once again be supporting the British Composer Awards, with its impeccable record of recognising the best contemporary classical works. It is inspiring to see that over half of this year’s nominated composers are aged under 40 and first-time nominees, showing that the UK classical music landscape is truly continuing to flourish. Congratulations to you all and I look forward to celebrating with you at the ceremony in December.’

Celebrating the art of composition and showcasing the creative talent of contemporary composers and sound artists, the winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony at the British Museum in London on Tuesday 4 December 2018.

1 November 2018