Professor Martin Iddon, Head of the School of Music at the University of Leeds, has won the Ivors Composers Award for Solo Composition.
His winning piece, ‘Lampades’, is written for tuba and fixed media.
It was commissioned and performed by musician Jack Adler-Mckean who performs the piece in this YouTube video.
Professor Martin Iddon said: "I’m thrilled that ‘Lampades’ has been recognised by the Ivors, especially amongst such a remarkable set of nominees. It’s particularly special because the pandemic has amplified how important it is for composers to work with brilliant collaborators.
“I’m incredibly grateful that, no matter how unreasonable my compositional ideas might have been, I had a collaborator like Jack, whose answer was always: sure, let’s make it work."
The jury called the work a “strikingly beautiful and original sound world creating an immersive, mysterious sense of space”.
Martin Iddon is Professor of Music and Aesthetics in the School of Music. A composer and musicologist, his music has been performed and broadcast on radio and television all over the world.
The ceremony, which took place last night (Wednesday 8 December) at the British Library in London, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s New Music Show at 10pm on Saturday 11 December.
The Ivors Composer Awards
The Ivors Composer Awards celebrate the best new works by composers writing for jazz, classical and sound art in the UK. Winners receive an Ivor Novello Award.
Recognised as a pinnacle of achievement since they were first presented in 1956, Ivor Novello Awards celebrate creative excellence in composing and songwriting.
Julian Joseph OBE, Chair of The Ivors Academy’s Awards Committee and Fellow of the Academy, said: “Every Ivor Novello awarded goes from composers and performers to their peers - it’s what makes each one so distinct and special. I’m honoured to be part of recognising the artistry, imagination and determination that goes into creating such wonderful music and soundscapes.
“Our winners’ achievements fill me with huge admiration and respect and I wish them all my fullest congratulations.”
Further information
Top image: Professor Martin Iddon, Head of the School of Music at the University of Leeds, at the Ivor Novello Awards ceremony
For more information, email the University of Leeds Press Office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.