Maxwell Davies - Ivor Novello Awards 2010

A defiant Sir Peter Maxwell Davies picked up the prestigious Classical Music Prize at the 55th Ivor Novello Awards last week to one of the biggest cheers of the day.  Honouring excellence in music writing across all genres, the Ivors are international regarded as one of the most highly revered awards in the music industry.

On receiving his award, Max, as he is widely known, commented on his music within the context of the awards which mainly focuses on pop, TV and film music: “In a way I feel like a maverick... The music I make is not popular and commercial in that way but I have done absolutely what I blood well wanted to do.”

The composer’s latest work, Proverb, for choir and string orchestra, will be receive its world premiere at the annual St Magnus Festival in Orkney on 20 June.

• Sir Peter Maxwell Davies - Profile

•  Ivor Novello Awards