Composer Max Richter will receive the Ivor Novello Award for innovation in recognition of his “unmistakable originality and influence”. The 60-year-old will be presented with the honour in person during The Ivors Composer Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House on November 17.
Recognition from The Ivors Academy
The Ivors Academy has praised Richter as “one of the defining voices in contemporary classical music”, renowned for compositions that blend classical tradition, minimalism, electronic music and sound design. The award is described by the academy as “one of the most respected honours in music creation and a globally recognised benchmark for creative excellence”.
Richter’s work spans more than three decades, with music featured in films including Mary Queen of Scots, Ad Astra, Miss Sloane and Waltz With Bashir. His most recent score was for the 2025 film Hamnet, which received widespread critical acclaim and secured nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes and Bafta Film Awards.
A Career Across Stage, Fashion and Ballet
Beyond cinema, Richter has reached audiences on the concert stage, collaborating with artists such as Anna Lapwood, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Gautier Capucon. He has also composed music for Dior catwalk shows and worked in ballet through a long-standing creative partnership with choreographer Wayne McGregor.
Previous recipients of the innovation award include Anoushka Shankar, Gavin Bryars, Matthew Herbert and Talvin Singh.
Tributes from Academy Leaders
Lord Neri, chief executive of The Ivors Academy, said: “Max Richter has expanded what contemporary composition can be and who it can reach. His music combines extraordinary craft with a constant desire to innovate, connecting with audiences across concert halls, recordings, stage and screen. We’re proud to recognise Max with an Ivor Novello Award for Innovation.”
Tom Gray, chairman of The Ivors Academy, added: “Max is a composer of unmistakable originality and influence. He has created a musical language that is entirely his own, while continually exploring new forms, sounds and ideas. From collaborations with Future Sound of London and Roni Size to ballet, opera, film and television, and landmark works including Sleep, The Blue Notebooks and the score for Hamnet, his work has undoubtedly changed contemporary composition.”
