Classical music fans will be preparing to celebrate all that is great and good about the genre tomorrow (May 12th) when the Classic Brit Awards take place.Now in its 12th year, it’s not long now until the show starts, with months of planning and rehearsals boiling down to this moment.
Taking place in the Royal Albert Hall, the biggest names in classical music will gather to reflect on the achievements of British and international artists over the preceding year as well as featuring performances from a host of world-class soloists.
Once again, the event will be hosted by Myleene Klass, while others already confirmed to perform on the night.
This includes a host of artists on Chester Music’s roster. Composer Eric Whitacre will be conducting his choir the Eric Whitacre Singers and Dame Shirley Bassey will offer a tribute to the late John Barry.
Performances from Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, the cast of Les Miserables with Alfie Boe and Artist of the Decade Il Divo will also be seen. Also on the bill is two-time Classic Brit award-winner, trumpeter Alison Balsom, German virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutte
Nominees for this year’s awards were announced long ago and artists including Eric Whitacre as Composer of the Year and Aled Jones in the Classic FM Album of the Year category will be prepping their speeches just in case.
The list of composers, conductors and musicians from around the world includes the first ever posthumous nomination in Classical Brit history for Australian conductor Sir Charles Mackerra.
Meanwhile, The Stage recently reported that musicals will be honoured at the Classic Brit Awards for the first time from next year, as the show’s producer tries to broaden the appeal of the awards ceremony.