An Academy Fellowship, the highest honour that The Ivors Academy bestows, recognises excellence and impact in the art and craft of music creation. This year has seen it awarded to Julian Joseph OBE, in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in music.

The Academy said,

“Joining a roster of composing greats the Ivors Academy are delighted to present the twenty-first Academy Fellowship to Julian Joseph OBE.”

Acclaimed as one of the finest jazz musicians to emerge this side of the Atlantic, Julian Joseph has devoted his long career to championing the music across the British Isles and into the far corners of the globe. He has forged a reputation beyond his formidable skills as a composer and performer, and is universally recognised as a highly knowledgable and engaging broadcaster, musical ambassador and cultural advocate. His charitable work and generous skills as an educator have made a major contribution to Britain’s cultural landscape and heritage. He is a greatly admired and respected figure in British Jazz, celebrated for his service to others and for sharing all the benefits of his life in music to inspire the musicians of the future. Julian shares his unique insights into the philosophy and practice of jazz performance in his recent book, Music of Initiative.

Listen back to the award ceremony on BBC Radio 3