The Ivors Classical Music Award - Oliver Knussen

The Ivors Classical Music Award recognises an outstanding body of work in the classical genre and there can be no more fitting recipient than Oliver Knussen.

Knussen has been at the forefront of composing and conducting for decades now. Having extensively studied composition and been encouraged by no less a talent than Benjamin Britten (his father played principal double bass with the London Symphony Orchestra and had performed at several of Britten’s premières), Knussen’s remarkable career began when he earned his first symphony commission whilst still in his early teens. Aged 15, he even conducted its 1968 premiere at the Royal Festival Hall after the scheduled conductor fell ill.

Since then, Knussen has immersed himself in music, establishing an impressive legacy in orchestral works, opera and other genres, and achieving huge success without ever compromising his unique vision. He has held a number of key roles within the classical community, from head of contemporary music activities at legendary US venue Tanglewood to principal guest conductor of The Hague’s resident orchestra, co-artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival and music director of the London Sinfonietta.

But today’s award recognises his genius for composition. Such is his range that Knussen has composed everything from much-loved children’s operas Where the Wild Things Are (based on the hugely popular book by Maurice Sendak) and Higglety Pigglety Pop!, to challenging works such as his 1969 Concerto for Orchestra, which incorporated elements of jazz, or 1979’s Coursing, which helped establish his reputation for intricate and elaborate pieces that nonetheless speak directly to listeners’ hearts and souls. His brilliant 2006 work Songs for Sue, meanwhile, paid tribute to his late wife, television producer and director Sue Knussen, by adapting Emily Dickinson poems for soprano and 15-piece ensemble, and won huge praise for its emotional depth. Fittingly, the Sue Knussen Composers Fund continues to inspire the next generation of classical musicians by commissioning works from new and emerging composers.

But with his own catalogue of works stretching across decades and taking in almost every type of instrumentation, not to mention a reputation that resounds around the world, it’s impossible to pin Oliver Knussen down to one style or approach. Like his namesake in Oliver Twist, he always wants more and throughout his stellar career, he has never failed to deliver it. An outstanding body of work indeed.