Byron Wallen (centre of back row) and the other 2017 Paul Hamlyn Award Recipients (listed below*) Photo credit: Emile Holba/ PHF

Trunpeter composer BYRON WALLEN is among this years Paul Hamlyn Award winners. The awards were officially announced at a ceremony this evening where the awards were presented by Jarvis Cocker. The Paul Hamlyn Awards are the largest awards made to visual artists and composers in the UK. 

The Foundation states:“This year marks a significant increase in both the number of composers awarded (from three to five – reflecting the breadth of contemporary composition) as well as the amount of money that each individual receives (increase from £50k to £60k – in response to rising living costs).”

An update on Byron Wallen:

– He recently composed Anthem for Woolwich which will be recorded on Twilight Jaguar label with Rob Luft – Guitar, Paul Micheal – Bass, Rod Youngs – Drums and guest artists to include Percussion -Richard ‘Olatunde’ Baker, Tabla and Percussion –Arif Durvesh Spoken Word/Poetry – Khadijatou, Lemn Sissay


– He is touring with Mulatu Astatke in November, 11 Brussels, 12 Rome, 14 Madrid 15 Neils Jazz Club, London and then will be on tour with Four Corners in 2018

– On 23 January 2018 Conversations with Pops will see an exploration of the work of Louis Armstrong combined with original work by Byron Wallen at the Brilliant Corners, London



(*) FULL LIST OF AWARD-WINNERS – as in photo above:

L-R (back row) Steven Claydon, artist, Leafcutter John, composer, Serafina Steer, composer, centre Byron Wallen, composer, Rehana Zaman, artist, Peter Kennard, artist and Mary Hampton, composer
L-R (seated) Linder, artist, Laurence Crane, composer and Charlotte Prodger, artist