The Hammonds Band has joined in congratulating composer Ailis Ni Riain following the news that her work 'Holocene' has been nominated for an Ivors Composer Award.

As previously reported on 4BR, 'Holocene' has been nominated in the 'Best Community and Participation Composition with ABRSM' category.

It explores the interplay between multiple tiers of sound and relates to the current geological epoch which began around 11,700 years ago and correlates to the last maximum axial tilt towards the sun.

Premiered

The work was premiered at the Southbank Centre in London by Onyx Brass with Amersham Band in May 2025, with a second performance soon after given with Hammonds Band in Bradford.

Composer Ailis Ni Riain, who is deaf, is a leading voice in disability arts and music advocacy. She refers to the work, utilising non-standard brass techniques, raw breath, voice, and the eerie shimmer of bowed cymbals, as a, "tapestry of sonic nuance, that is earthy and mysterious"

Truly special

Adding their congratulations the band said: "Holocene is a truly special and ambitious work, and we were incredibly proud to have brought it to life in its premiere performance in Bradford.

This nomination is fantastic recognition of Ailis's creativity, imagination and outstanding musical achievement. It is wonderful to see the work receiving such prestigious recognition following the commitment, collaboration and hard work that went into bringing it to the concert platform."

Footage

They added: "We're particularly excited that footage from our premiere performance in Bradford will feature during the shortlist announcement at the awards ceremony in London next week, allowing a wider audience to experience a glimpse of this remarkable piece.

Everyone at Hammonds Band sends huge congratulations to Ailis. We are immensely proud to have been part of the journey and wish her every success at the awards!"

Everyone at Hammonds Band sends huge congratulations to Ailis. We are immensely proud to have been part of the journey and wish her every success at the awards!Hammonds Band

Announcements

The Ivor Composer Awards will be announced on Tuesday 17th November at Grosvenor House in London.

Also nominated in other categories are Richard Blackford for 'The Black Lake' in the 'Best Vocal and Choral Composition' category and Ben Nobuto's 'Hope Spiral', composed for horn, string quartet and electronics, in the 'Best Small-Scale Composition' category.

Hannah Peel's work 'Underland' is nominated in the new 'Best Original Documentary Score' category.