Works exploring mental health, the refugee crisis, gender, science and nature were among winning compositions at this year's British Composer Awards, presented at a ceremony at the British Museum in London on Wednesday evening.

First Award

They included composer Kenneth Hesketh, who has won his first award in the 'Wind Band or Brass Band' category for 'In Ictu Oculi', a composition for wind orchestra exploring the transience of time and disintegration of cultures, individuals and civilisations.

The work is part of a current cycle by the composer inspired by the idea of Momento Mori, or Vanitas and memorial. Short listed nominations were 'Four Etudes' by Edward Gregson and 'Anemoi' by Joseph Davies.

Thirteen composers were honoured at the award ceremony hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Andrew McGregor and Sara Mohr-Pietsch, with the winning works described as representing the best contemporary composition that premiered in the UK in the year leading up to 31st March 2017.

Broadcast

The British Composer Awards are presented by BASCA and sponsored by PRS for Music in association with BBC Radio 3. A programme will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Sunday 10th December from 7.30pm.

Crispin Hunt, Chairman at BASCA, said: "The composers honoured this evening are testament to the UK's thriving and vibrant new music community.

Their creations challenge the status quo; push boundaries, celebrate our rich and diverse history, inspire and innovate at every turn. They demonstrate the positive impact of music on all our lives and it is an honour for BASCA to celebrate their achievements this evening."

Orchestral winner

The Orchestral category was won by Emily Howard, who has previously written for the brass band genre with her work 'Obsidian', premiered by Black Dyke in 2010.

Her composition 'Torus' (Concerto for Orchestra) explores the idea of the mathematical shape of the torus, and the musical balance between absence and presence.

The work is part of a current cycle by the composer inspired by the idea of Momento Mori, or Vanitas and memorial. Short listed nominations were 'Four Etudes' by Edward Gregson and 'Anemoi' by Joseph Davies4BR

2017 British Composer Awards Winners:

Amateur or Young Performers
Who We Are by Kerry Andrew

Chamber Ensemble
Skin by Rebecca Saunders

Choral
Proclamation of the Republic by Andrew Hamilton

Community or Educational Project
Anything but Bland by Brian Irvine

Contemporary Jazz Composition
Muted Lines by Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian

Orchestral
Torus (Concerto for Orchestra) by Emily Howard

Small Chamber
In Feyre Foreste by Robin Haigh

Solo or Duo
Inside Colour by Deborah Pritchard

Sonic Art
Luminous Birds by Kathy Hinde

Stage Works
4.48 Psychosis by Philip Venables

Wind Band or Brass Band
In Ictu Oculi by Kenneth Hesketh

British Composer Award for Innovation
Shiva Feshareki

British Composer Award for Inspiration (in association with the Music Publishers Association)
Nigel Osborne MBE