Yorkshire composer Gavin Bryars has been awarded the Innovation Award at this year’s Ivors Classical Awards, held on 12th November 2024. This is Bryars’ first Ivor Novello and recognises his life’s work and influence on other composers.
Why does this matter: Innovation in classical music
The Ivors Classical Awards are for the best of British and Irish classical and sound art and are for composers who live in the UK and Ireland. These awards have been around for a long time under different names, from the British Composer Awards to The Ivors Classical Awards in 2023 and have always been about originality, impact and the advancement of music.
Gavin Bryars’ Innovation Award recognises his inventive way of working, an achievement that goes way beyond the classical world. His work has inspired a whole generation of composers by combining minimalism, free improvisation and accessible yet experimental music.
Who is Gavin Bryars?
Worldwide known for his unconventional and emotional music, Bryars first came to attention with two pieces, The Sinking of the Titanic (1969) and Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet (1971). These pieces marked him out as a key figure in minimalism and experimental music. Bryars’ work explores big themes and challenges the boundaries of music, so his music is instantly recognisable yet deeply moving.
He didn’t stop at concert music. Bryars has spread his influence across many other creative fields, working with ballet companies, theatre directors and even visual artists to create music for stage, film and galleries. Some of his most notable collaborations include working with choreographers Merce Cunningham and Carolyn Carlson and visual artists Juan Muñoz on A Man in a Room, Gambling and the Quay Brothers. Each partnership has added new dimensions to his music, integrating music with visual storytelling in new ways.
Previous innovation award winners
Bryars is the latest in a long line of Innovation Award winners who have been classical and experimental music pioneers. Previous winners include Matthew Herbert, Anna Meredith and Cleveland Watkiss, all of whom have made their mark in different ways.
What makes the Ivors Classical Awards special?
Unlike other awards, The Ivors Classical Awards focus exclusively on classical music and sound art created by British and Irish composers or UK residents. They highlight new works and cutting-edge sound projects, helping audiences appreciate the diversity and creativity found within contemporary classical music. In 2024, they continue to uphold a legacy that began over 20 years ago, always prioritising musical exploration and cultural impact over commercial success.
In the words of The Ivors Academy, Gavin Bryars is a true “trailblazer in free improvisation,” whose work has transformed British musical culture. His approach to music, combining experimental sounds with a touch of accessibility, is what makes him a powerful figure in modern music. It’s an approach that keeps classical music exciting, fresh, and relevant.
Bryars’ win at The Ivors Classical Awards is not just a celebration of his career but a recognition of his role in expanding the horizons of classical music. For anyone interested in the ways that music can touch hearts and broaden minds, Bryars’ compositions offer a world of discovery, wonder, and lasting inspiration.
