The Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Works Collection recognises her exceptional body of classical works. In presenting the ‘Gift of the Academy’ award to Cecilia McDowall the Academy said that Cecilia is “a highly skilful and captivating composer who communicates through her music with stunning beauty, sensitivity and impact.”
Now in its 18th year, the annual The Ivors Composer Awards 2020 (previously the British Composer Awards) honour the best new works by UK contemporary composers in classical, jazz and sound art. New for 2020, in addition to the eleven category awards, three composers were awarded ‘Gift of the Academy’ awards from The Ivors Academy celebrating their repertoire to date.
‘Cecilia is one of the finest composers of her generation, particularly noted for her choral works. Her music has been commissioned and performed by leading choirs and ensembles worldwide. The composer is often inspired by extra-musical influences and her writing combines a rhythmic vitality with expressive lyricism’.
On receiving the honour, Cecilia commented –
“It is very humbling to have been singled out to follow in the footsteps of previous recipients when there are so many other deserving composers.”
Listen to the Radio 3 coverage on BBC Sounds. Cecilia’s The Lord is Good can be heard from 01:18:49.
Listen to Cecilia McDowall on Apple Music
Watch Cecilia’s acceptance speech below and see some of her colleagues sending their congratulations on her award here.
Ivors link:
https://ivorsacademy.com/nominee/cecilia-mcdowall/
Trinity link:
https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/news/cecilia-mcdowall-honoured-at-the-ivors-composer-awards-2020/