THE CLASSICAL BRIT AWARDS CELEBRATE
A TRIUMPHANT 10 YEARS
JOSÉ CARRERAS TO RECEIVE
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MULTI-MILLION SELLING KATHERINE JENKINS TO PERFORM
MYLEENE KLASS RETURNS AS HOST
The UK’s recorded music association, The BPI, today announced that it will celebrate the 10th glorious year of The Classical BRIT Awards 2009 with NS&I with the presentation of the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary José Carreras. Taking place on Thursday 14 May 2009, the 10th annual Classical BRIT Awards with NS&I will climax with a celebration of the work and influence of this indomitable performer.
The iconic Royal Albert Hall, along with a capacity audience, will witness a stunning live performance from José Carreras which is set to be one of many highlights of a rousing 10th Anniversary show to be broadcast on ITV1.
"I was very happy and honoured to hear that The Classical BRIT Awards had offered me this distinction,” said José Carreras. “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.”
Chairman of the Classical BRIT Awards Committee, UCJ Managing Director, Dickon Stainer and Vice Chairman, Avie Records Director, Barry McCann commented, "We are delighted that Maestro Carreras has accepted our invitation to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in this, our 10th Anniversary Year. It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest tenors of our times and one who has befriended British audiences for so many years".
José Carreras today occupies a privileged position in the music world. Born in Barcelona, his meteoric operatic career resulted in early debuts at the world’s most prestigious theatres and festivals. Having collaborated with the most renowned orchestra conductors, and with a repertoire of over sixty operas, José Carreras’ talent has graced not only the hallowed halls of New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Paris’ Salle Pleyel, Musikverein and Konzerthous in Vienna and Accademia Santa Cecilia of Rome to name a few, but also the silver screen.
In 1992 José Carreras was engaged as Musical Director of the memorable Olympic Games in Barcelona and his position as one of the Three Tenors alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti is legendary.
Over the past 10 years, The Classical BRIT Awards have become synonymous for celebrating notable achievement in classical music, honouring such luminaries as Plácido Domingo, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the late Vernon Handley. Showcasing the best in the genre with performances that have included Rolando Villazon, Danielle Deniese, Anna Netrebko, Juan Diego Flórez, Maxim Vengerov, Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang and Sting, 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.
Already confirmed to perform alongside José Carreras, making the 10th Classical BRIT Awards with NS&I look set to be the best yet, is multi-million selling welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins. Winner of two Classical BRIT Awards, Katherine Jenkins is an integral part of the Classical BRIT Awards story, charting her success from debut album through to the classical chart topping ‘Second Nature’ and ‘Living The Dream’.
"I'm so delighted to be back at the Classical BRIT Awards this year,” said Katherine Jenkins. “Last year I was on my Viva La Diva tour with Darcey Bussell so unfortunately couldn't make it. Every year, I always find the importance of the Classical BRITs gets bigger and bigger; with great new talent like Faryl Smith breaking through, the Classical BRITs has never been more relevant"
Returning as host for a second year is musician, broadcaster and TV presenter Myleene Klass. A massive success last year, Myleene Klass will not only preside over the biggest and best Classical BRIT awards yet, but has the enviable task of wearing the biggest and best dress yet.
"I am thrilled to be asked back for a second year to host the biggest event on the classical calendar, The Classical BRIT Awards,” commented Myleene. “It is an event that is close to my heart and 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."
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award there will be seven awards handed out on the night as follows:
N S & I Album of the Year
Male Artist of the year
Female artist of the year
Composer of the Year
Young British Classical Performer or Group
Soundtrack of the year
Critics’ Award
Nominations for The Classical BRIT Awards 2009 with NS&I will be revealed at the nominations launch on Monday 20 April.
The Classical BRIT Awards were established in 2000 to recognise the outstanding achievements of classical musicians and the growth of classical music sales in the UK. The awards have proved their vital importance to the UK music industry with the huge impact the event has on record sales of those artists performing, winning and nominated.
2009 marks the 6th consecutive year with sponsors NS&I.
Tim Mack, Head of Marketing and Communications at NS&I says “We are delighted to be actively supporting The Classical BRIT awards yet again this year. NS&I has a long standing association with classical music. Our involvement in The Classical BRIT Awards builds on this association and fits very well with the interests of many of our customers.”
Tickets go on sale 9am Wednesday 4 March and are available from the Royal Albert Hall box office on 020 7589 8212. Ticket prices remain the same as for the past five years and range from the most reasonable show only ticket at £20 to £250 for a full dinner/show experience.
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www.classicalbrits.co.uk
For further information, please contact:
Doug Wright – LD Communications
T: 020 7439 7222
E: doug.wright@ldcommunications.co.uk