"Each Ivor Novello Award is a unique moment of peer recognition"
On November 11, 2025, composer and sitarist Anoushka Shankar was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Innovation at the Ivors Classical Awards.
The accolade recognises composers whose creativity expands the boundaries of music and inspires their peers. Previous winners include Matthew Herbert, Gavin Bryars, Anna Meredith, Shiva Feshareki and Talvin Singh.
Daughter of Tamil mother Sukanya Rajan and Bengali sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, Anoushka spent much of her childhood in Delhi and began studying the sitar under her father.
She has since become one of the most acclaimed music artists of her generation, collaborating with Herbie Hancock, Patti Smith, Sting, Jacob Collier and her half-sister Norah Jones.
At 18, she became the youngest and first female recipient of a British House of Commons Shield.
She was also the first musician of Indian origin to perform live and to serve as a presenter at the Grammy Awards.
The Ivors Academy recognised Anoushka for her work that continues to redefine the possibilities of musical expression.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “The Ivors Classical Awards celebrate the art and importance of composition in all its forms, honouring the imagination, skill and dedication that go into creating new music.
“Each Ivor Novello Award is a unique moment of peer recognition for the most important people in music – its composers.
“Tonight shows why it’s essential that composers are supported, valued and fairly rewarded for their work.”
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, added: “Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners, whose creativity is shaping music in exciting new ways.
“Championing contemporary composers is at the heart of what we do and we are proud that the BBC remains the biggest commissioner of new music in the country.
“Through broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 3 Unwind, music by some of Britain’s most talented composers can be heard by audiences across the UK.
“We are grateful for our partnership with The Ivors Academy, and we look forward to sharing highlights from this evening’s celebration on the New Music Show this Saturday.”
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music, said: “Congratulations to this year’s Ivor Novello Classical Award winners – your achievements speak to the range and vitality of composition across the UK.
“And to every nominee, being shortlisted for an Ivor is a milestone in itself and a testament to the strength of your work.
“Tonight’s winners are pushing the art form forward with boldness and brilliance, bringing new audiences to contemporary music.”
“PRS for Music is proud to stand with The Ivors Academy in championing outstanding composers, and to ensure creators are recognised and fairly rewarded whenever their works are performed and enjoyed.”
Alongside Anoushka Shankar, the other special Gift of the Academy Awards were presented to Anne Dudley and Debbie Wiseman.
A further eight composers and librettists were recognised across six categories, with Ivor Novello Awards going to composers Anibal Vidal, Anna Clyne, Helen Grime, Jonathan Dove, Luke Mombrea and Nneka Cummins, and librettists April De Angelis and Zoe Gilbert.
The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Tom McKinney and Kate Molleson.
Guest presenters included director, comedian and actor Chris Addison, composer and musician Nitin Sawhney, former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, singer Camilla Kerslake and composer and turntablist Shiva Feshareki.
Watch DESIblitz’s 2014 Exclusive Interview with Anoushka Shankar
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