Errollyn Wallen has been named the 28th Academy Fellow of the Ivors Academy.

In a statement, Wallen said, “I am deeply touched to receive this Academy Fellowship and am most honoured to join the twenty-seven illustrious musicians who are my predecessors. I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks for the guidance and encouragement I have received along my journey to becoming a composer — and for the lively artistic community of which I am part.”

Wallen is known for her contributions to contemporary classical music with her work spanning 22 operas and a vast collection of orchestral, chamber, and vocal compositions. In 2013, Wallen made history as the first woman to receive an Ivor Novello Award for Classical Music and she was also the first Black woman to have her work featured at the Proms.

She has also served as Master of the King’s Music and has been ranked among the Top 20 most-performed living classical composers in 2023. Her music has been used at the 2021 Paralympic Games and Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees.

As a Fellow of the Ivors Academy, Wallen joins a roll call of greats from across music including John Adams, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Judith Weir, John Rutter, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Armatrading, and Julian Joseph. The Fellowship of The Ivors Academy recognizes the highest level of excellence and impact in the art and craft of music creation.

Wallen will be honored and inducted into Fellowship at The Ivors Classical Awards on Nov. 12 at BFI Southbank in London.