Music maestro Sir Harrison Birtwistle has been handed a fourth British Composer Award at a gala in London.

The 78 year old landed the 2012 Orchestral Prize for his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra.

Other winners included Christian Mason (Best Instrumental Solo or Duo), Colin Matthews (Best Vocal) and Gabriel Jackson (Choral Award).

Birtwistle last won a Composer Award in 2005.