[ ClassicalX ] Classical Brits Launch 2009

The nominations for the tenth annual Brit awards were revealed this evening (20th April) at the Mayfair Hotel in London.

At the event hosted by Myleene Klass, nominees and an invited audience enjoyed a varied set of performances from artists such as members of the the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and Katherine Jenkins who was joined by Faryl Smith for a duet.

Myleene Klass will reprise her role as host for the Brit Awards evening on Thursday 14th May at the Royal Albert Hall. Mylene said, "I am thrilled to be asked back for a second year to host the biggest event in the classical calendar. I am really looking forward to being a part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations and presenting what will be an unforgettable night. Now all I have to do is find a dress."

Nominations previously announced have artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Jonathan Ansell and the Fron Male Voice Choir battling it out for the all important public vote in the NS&I Album of the Year award.

Other nominees announced at today's launch event include James Howard Newton, who has two mentions in the soundtrack of the year category. One is for 'I Am Legend' and the other for the Batman movie 'The Dark Knight.'

2006 saw trumpeter Alison Balsom pip Nicola Benedetti to the post to win the best young performer Brit. This year Alison is nominated for the female artist of the year award alongside opera singers Anna Netrebko and Danielle De Niese.

Boys Choir Libera are nominated in the Young British classical performer/ group category.

The Classical Brits

The Classical BRIT Awards 2009 with NS&I will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in style and has added to the already spectacular line up by announcing performances from teenage soprano sensation Faryl Smith, world renowned tenor Plácido Domingo and The Priests.

The show will also include performances from Katherine Jenkins and legendary tenor José Carreras, who will be awarded the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

On hearing the news, José Carreras said 'I was very happy and honoured to hear that The Classical BRIT Awards had offered me this distinction. I am particularly pleased that the ceremony takes place in London which is a city that has meant so much to me in my career over many years.'

The Classical BRIT Awards has helped pave the way for a broader audience for classical music, each year creating a sales boost for nominees and performers alike and its 10th anniversary promises to be the biggest and best show to date.

Full list of nominations

Female Artist of the Year
Alison Balsom Haydn & Hummel/Trumpet Concertos
Anna Netrebko Puccini/La Bohème & Souvenirs
Danielle de Niese Handel/Arias

Male Artist of the Year
Sir Charles Mackerras Mozart/Symphonies nos. 38-41
Sir Colin Davis Mozart/Requiem & Tippett/A Child of Our Time
& MacMillan/The World’s Ransoming & Berlioz/Benvenuto Cellini
& Beethoven/Mass in C & Sibelius/Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4
Gustavo Dudamel Fiesta

Composer of the Year
Howard Goodall Eternal Light – A Requiem
Nigel Hess Concerto for Piano & Orchestra
Steve Reich Daniel Variations

Young British Classical Performer or Group
Alina Ibragimova
Elizabeth Watts
Libera

Soundtrack of the Year (Winner chosen by a panel from film and television)
James Newton Howard I am Legend
Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard The Dark Knight
Paul Cantelon The Other Boleyn Girl

Critics Award (Winner chosen by a panel of critics from the national media)
Gerald Finley/Julius Drake Schumann/Dichterliebe & other Heine Settings
Paul Lewis Beethoven/Piano Sonatas vol.4
Sir Charles Mackerras/Scottish Chamber Orchestra Mozart Symphonies nos. 38-41

NS&I Album of the Year (Winner voted by the public)
Andrea Bocelli Incanto
Cistercian Monks Chant – Music for Paradise
Fron Male Voice Choir Voices of the Valley – Home
Hayley Westenra River of Dreams – The Very Best of
Jonathan Ansell Tenor at the Movies
Katherine Jenkins Sacred Arias
Mike Oldfield Music of the Spheres
Priests The Priests
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Spirit of the Glen – Journey
The Salvation Army Together

Lifetime Achievement In Music
José Carreras