University of Nottingham composer nominated for Ivor Novello prize for the second time

A University of Nottingham composer has been nominated for an Ivor Novello prize.

Dr. Duncan MacLeod, Associate Professor at the university, has earned his second straight nomination for the Ivor Novello Classical Awards – the UK’s top honour for composers.

Dr. MacLeod’s latest soundwalk, Orasaigh, is up for Best Sound Art, celebrating his immersive work capturing the raw beauty and culture of the Scottish island of South Uist.

So, what exactly is a soundwalk? Well, imagine putting on your headphones and being transported to a wild Scottish island.

Orasaigh mixes field recordings from the island itself, Gaelic songs, bagpipes, and snippets of poetry, giving listeners a layered, cinematic experience.

Created alongside poet Steve Ely and photographer Michael Faint, the piece dives into everything from climate change to the ancient culture of Uist.

The project was made possible through a University of Nottingham Arts and Humanities Research Council residency with the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre on Uist, and it’s Dr. MacLeod’s second big nomination at the Ivors, following his one last year for Machair, another soundwalk capturing the spirit of Uist’s landscape.

This soundwalk is inspired by Ely’s poetry, which journeys through everything from local tales to global themes like the climate crisis and the resilience of island communities.

In Orasaigh, MacLeod used recordings of the island’s soundscapes, woven together with melodies from the bass clarinet, bagpipes, and even archival songs from Uist’s past.

It’s an artful mix of traditional and contemporary that captures the timeless spirit of the island while confronting today’s most pressing challenges.

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Dr. MacLeod and his piece Orasaigh will compete at the Ivor Classical Awards at The Grosvenor House, London, on Thursday 23rd May 2025, where the UK’s best composers will gather to celebrate a new era of sound, art and classical music.

Past winners of Ivor Novellos include music icons like Adele and Benny from ABBA, so the University of Nottingham is in stellar company as it vies for this award!

Interested in experiencing Orasaigh yourself? It’s streaming on SoundCloud, so check it out here: Orasaigh on SoundCloud.

Feature image via University of Nottingham