The British Composer Awards were announced last night at a ceremony at Goldsmith’s Hall, London. Thirteen categories were honoured and six composers received an award for the first time. ‘Tonight’s new generation of British composers has been truly impressive and I am excited to see such breadth of talent and creativity on the winners’ shortlist,’ said Guy Fletcher, Chairman of PRS for Music (the BCA’s sponsor). ‘The British Composer Awards provide a vital showcase for music that is part of our cultural fabric and enjoyed the world over. PRS for Music is proud to sponsor such an important event.’

Sir Harrison Birtwistle collected his fifth British Composer Award for Gigue Machine (for piano), making him the most shortlisted and awarded composer in BCA history.

Highlights from the evening will be broadcast on ‘Hear and Now’ on BBC Radio 3, broadcast partner of the British Composer Awards, on Saturday evening at 10.45pm.

The full list of winners is:

Instrumental Solo or Duo

Gigue Machine by Harrison Birtwistle

Chamber

String Quartet No.4 by Colin Matthews

Vocal

Electra Mourns by Brian Elias

Choral

Since it was the day of Preparation… by James MacMillan

Wind Band or Brass Band

Mysteries of the Horizon by Nigel Clarke

Orchestral

Rivers to the Sea by Joseph Phibbs

Stage Works

Written on Skin by George Benjamin

Liturgical

I Saw the Lord by Matthew Martin

Sonic Art

No Such Object (Speed of Light) by Ed Baxter and Chris Weaver

Contemporary Jazz Composition

Lifelines by John Surman

Community or Educational Project

Pass the Torch, An Olympic Symphony by James Redwood

Making Music Award

Dry Stone Walls of Yorkshire by Peter McGarr

International Award

Woven Dreams by Toshio Hosokawa