Mark Bowden, Reader in Composition in the Department of Music at Royal Holloway, has won a British Composer Award for his work Five Memos.

Dr Bowden, who is a composer of chamber, orchestral, and vocal music, won the Solo or Duo Category at the British Composer Awards 2016 on 6 December 2016.

“It was a real honour to receive a British Composer Award for Five Memos. Of my recent pieces it is one that is very special to me,” said Dr Bowden.

Remarkably, this was not the only nomination for Royal Holloway; Sorana Santos, who is studying for a PhD in the Department of Music, was also recognised for her recent composition, Our Lady of Stars Book of Hours, with a nomination in the Contemporary Jazz Composition category.

The event, hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Sarah Walker and Andrew McGregor, awarded prizes in 13 different categories. The awards recognise the creative talent of composers and sound artists, with the aim of bringing their music to a wider audience. They highlight the best compositions that premiered in the UK across genres including jazz, choral, sonic art, orchestral and more.