BBC News | MUSIC | Classical Brits announced

Madonna's producer William Orbit and the writers of the Gladiator soundtrack have been nominated for the second Classical Brits awards, which take place on 31 May.

Most of the artists and composers shortlisted are firmly at the popular end of the genre - Orbit's Pieces In A Modern Style was initially excluded from the classical charts for being too "pop".

String quartet Bond, whose album was excluded from the classical charts for similar reasons, will be performing at the event alongside violinist Kennedy (who has dropped his first name, Nigel), tenor Russell Watson and conductor Simon Rattle.

Nominees for the album of the year include sopranos Charlotte Church and Lesley Garrett, soundtrack writers Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator) and Barrington Pheloung (Inspector Morse), bass Bryn Terfel and Orbit.

Two nominations: Bryn Terfel

The first Classical Brits awards was criticised in some quarters for being too populist but the event's defenders say it attracts younger listeners to the music and helps build audiences.

Nominees for the best male artist of the year are Kennedy, Russell Watson and Bryn Terfel.

Kennedy is also nominated for the critics prize for his performance on Elgar's symphony No. 3, an unfinished work recently completed by Anthony Payne, performed with cellist Lynn Harrell.

Lesley Garrett, Renee Fleming and Angela Gheorgiu are up for the female artist of the year.

The Classical Brits are organised by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and take place at the Royal Albert Hall.


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