In years gone by, The Ivors Classicals had an ebullience that felt earned — a room full of people who normally worried about money and recognition, attending an event at which they could at least leave all of that behind for a few hours. With the ceremony refitted, rebadged and enlarged, will that atmosphere prevail this year?
One of the important classical music industry events – The Ivors Classical Awards – are going through a bit of a key change this year with adapted categories, and a new format for the awards ceremony.
The Awards Ceremony Formerly Known As The Ivors Classical, is from this year on simply known as The Ivors Composers Awards, comprises a selection of classical awards and a few more genres too.
Bringing together multiple genres into one event is a savvy move on the part of the Ivors Academy. Video, TV and film have all been celebrated, by and large, in separate events in Academy history. Why not bring them together now?
The argument for consolidating genres has the potential to break down silos and legitimise all. It also presumably makes hosting the enhanced event a far more cost-effective affair too for the non-profit organisation. There’s a benefit too for a potential broadcast partner (presumably BBC Radio 3, as it has been for years now) by building reach. Why shouldn’t composers in TV, film and video games be celebrated in the same space as classical, just as broadcast output has done for years on Classic FM, and on Scala (what is now Magic Classical), and BBC Radio 3?
There is a risk associated with this development, seen most readily in a ramped up ticket price for potential attendees. Those without publisher backing or agent representation may risk being priced out of the event (assuming their peers do shortlist them for an award in the category they’ve submitted entries to). Last year’s Classical Awards tickets were £62.40 for the ‘music industry professionals’ and a discounted £31.20 for Academy members. This year’s event is an altogether different affair – reception, three-course meal, and awards – with top price tickets going for £350, and members’ tickets going for £175. That’s almost three times the price.
Will as many in (one part of) a cash-strapped industry be able to foot the bill? I hope so. One of the real joys of the Ivors Classicals was the uplifting atmosphere when those who sweat, stress and worry about getting paid come together and celebrate one another. The Ivors Classicals was a moment when those who sometimes felt overlooked had a moment in the sunshine. It’s a risky move which could pay off in the long term. A great many will need to hold their nerve.
The Ivors Composers Awards 2026 ceremony takes place on 17 November at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane. More information on how to submit applications or apply for tickets on the Ivors Academy website.
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