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Media centre /
Press releaseTHE CLASSICAL BRIT AWARDS 2007 WITH NS&I13 March 2007
Public tickets now available The BPI, representing UK record companies, is delighted to announce that The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 with NS&I returns to the Royal Albert Hall for the eighth consecutive year on 3 May 2007 and will include a special celebration of British classical music and the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Edward Elgar. Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 with NS&I is conductor Dr Vernon Handley CBE who, for more than 40 years, has distinguished himself as a champion of British classical music. During his illustrious career he has recorded more than 150 albums of which 90 feature the works of British composers including Vaughan Williams, Stanford, Malcolm Arnold and most notably Edward Elgar. Co-Chairman of The Classical BRIT Awards Barry McCann said, “I am delighted that Vernon Handley is to be honoured at this year’s Classical BRIT Awards. From his early collaboration with a young Nigel Kennedy on their award-winning recording of Elgar’s Violin Concerto to his recent recordings of the entire works of Arnold Bax, Tod (as he is known to his friends) has stood at the forefront of British music-making and remained its champion. Moreover, it is fitting that someone so committed to furthering the musical careers of young talent should be conducting cellist Natalie Clein on the night.” “This is yet again another exciting year for British Classical music,” commented co-chairman Peter Jamieson. “The genre continues to embrace the digital delivery of its classical recordings, and The Classical BRIT Awards is a unique platform to showcase up and coming British artists and prominent established international figures who continue to make classical music as relevant today as it was 150 years ago.” As the most glittering night in the classical music calendar approaches, the magnificent Royal Albert Hall prepares to be filled with performances from home-grown talent using British repertoire, including cellist Natalie Clein and the impressive 60 strong Fron Male Voice Choir which also celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Also confirmed to perform on the night is Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Last year’s Classical BRIT Awards featured a line-up that was described by David Mellor as “mouth-watering” and 2007 will continue this tradition. The Classical BRIT Awards with NS&I prides itself on embracing new and emerging talent, a fact that was proven in 2006 with the exceptional reaction to The Classical BRIT Awards debut from Alison Balsom plus moving performances from Rolando Villazon and Plácido Domingo. In addition to joining Plácido Domingo in being honoured as the only other Classical BRIT Awards Lifetime Achiever, Dr Vernon Handley CBE will be conducting a special performance of one movement from the Elgar Cello Concerto performed by Natalie Clein. Making her Classical BRIT Awards performance debut, cellist Natalie Clein follows her 2005 Classical BRIT Award for Young British Performer with a performance of part of the work that brought her to prominence as winner of the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year in 1994. “I am delighted to be the recipient of this award, especially considering who The Classical BRIT Awards have honoured before me,” said Vernon Handley. “I am particularly looking forward to sharing my pleasure in this award with the performance on the night with Natalie Clein celebrating the work of Edward Elgar.” Founded in 1947, the Fron Male Voice Choir’s debut album Voices Of The Valley not only became the fastest-selling classical album ever, but also rated as the best-selling classical album of 2006. The 60 voices of the choir are aged from 16 to 84 and hail from the Welsh village of Froncysyllte perched on the side of the Berwyn Mountains above the Vale of Llangollen. Already this year, the Fron Male Voice Choir have sung at the Millennium Stadium for the Wales vs Ireland rugby international match and their performance at The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 with NS&I is sure to be a highlight of their 60th anniversary. Demonstrating an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level and establishing himself as one of the most exciting pianists of our time, Lang Lang is a fine ambassador for classical music. His extensive touring in concert halls across the globe and contributions to film soundtracks elevated Lang Lang as the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic and all of the ‘Big Five’ American orchestras. With a relationship that is now in its fourth year, The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 will be supported by NS&I. Jane Platt, NS&I chief executive, said: “The Classical BRIT Awards recognise the very best talent in the increasingly vibrant and exciting world of classical music and I am immensely proud that NS&I supports this wonderful event. “We have been keen supporters of classical music for some years now and look forward to joining everyone for an enthralling and entertaining evening of great performances.” Tickets for The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 with NS&I are now available from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on 020 7589 8212. The Classical BRIT Awards were established in 2000 to recognise the outstanding achievements of classical musicians and the success of classical music sales in the UK. Broadcast on ITV1, the Awards have proved their importance to the UK music industry with the significant impact the event has on the record sales of those artists performing, winning and nominated. The nominations for The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 will be announced on 2 April. ENDS For further information, please contact: Doug Wright / Naomi Williams @ LD Communications T: 020 7439 7222 Notes to editors: The BRIT Trust The BRIT in the title of The Classical BRIT Awards originates from the British Record Industry Trust. The Classical BRIT Awards is a charity event and donates its proceeds to the BRIT Trust each year. The BRIT Awards is the only UK show where all the proceeds are donated to charity. Millions have been raised over the years for its beneficiaries: The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. Over 7,000 young people have been given free education and the opportunity to enter the school since its opening in 1991 and more than 10,000 children and adults have been helped by the phenomenal music therapy work carried out by Nordoff-Robbins. The BPI The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) is the trade association representing the UK recording industry. It counts among its members over 300 record companies representing around 90% of recorded music sales in the UK. The BPI works to protect and promote the interests of its members. Among its activities are campaigning against music piracy, compiling the industry’s official research and statistics, lobbying the media and Government and of course organising The BRIT Awards and The Classical BRIT Awards with NS&I. About NS&I NS&I is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments products, including Premium Bonds, Savings Certificates, Direct ISA and Children's Bonus Bonds to 27 million customers. All products offer 100% capital security, because they are backed by HM Treasury. NS&I has sponsored the Classic FM Morning Show since February 2002, and The Classical BRIT Awards since 2003.
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
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