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Classical Brit for Lloyd Webber Classical Brit for Lloyd Webber
(about 3 hours later)
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been honoured with the outstanding achievement prize at the annual Classical Brits awards. British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been honoured with a prize for outstanding achievement in music at the Classical Brits awards.
ITV boss Michael Grade presented the 60-year-old musician with the prestigious award. As he accepted his first ever Brit from ITV chairman Michael Grade, the 60-year-old said he was "the wrong person" to be receiving the accolade.
It is his first Brit and comes more than 20 years after his Requiem Mass won a Grammy for best contemporary classical composition. "It should go to my brother Julian who is a fantastic cellist and has been a tireless fan and advocate," he said.
Myleene Klass hosted the event at London's Royal Albert Hall. TV presenter Myleene Klass hosted the event at London's Royal Albert Hall.
Lord Lloyd-Webber's prize comes more than 20 years after his Requiem Mass won a Grammy for best contemporary classical composition.
After Thursday's ceremony, the impresario joked he was too old to receive the gong, which he dedicated to his late father William.
'Artistic differences''Artistic differences'
For the second year in a row operatic soprano Anna Netrebko was a winner at the ceremony, taking home the prize for female artist of the year, which was presented by Annie Lennox. Operatic soprano Anna Netrebko was recognised at the ceremony for the second year in succession, taking home the prize for female artist of the year.
The prize for male artist of the year was presented to conductor Sir Colin Davis, president of the London Symphony Orchestra. The male equivalent was presented to conductor Sir Colin Davis, president of the London Symphony Orchestra.
The album of the year prize, which was won by Sir Paul McCartney last year, was awarded to vocal quartet Blake. The album of the year prize was awarded to vocal quartet Blake, four former choirboys who signed a five-album deal with record label Universal last summer.
It is the only second time in the history of the awards that it has been won by a debut album. It is only the second time in the awards' history that the prize has been won by a debut album.
Previous winners include Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins.Winner of young British classical performer - Nichola Benedetti Previous winners include Russell Watson, Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins and Sir Paul McCartney, who won last year for his classical album Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart).
Violinist Nichola Benedetti, 21, won the young British classical performer gong, after being nominated for the third time in the category. Violinist Nichola Benedetti was named young British classical performer
Other winners on the night included cellist Steven Isserlis - critics' choice - and James Newton Howard - soundtrack of the year. Violinist Nichola Benedetti was named young British classical performer.
The 21-year-old Scot had been shortlisted for the prize on two previous occasions.
Other winners included cellist Steven Isserlis, who received the critics' choice prize, and James Newton Howard, whose score for the film Blood Diamond was named soundtrack of the year.
The annual ceremony was established in 2000 to recognise the outstanding achievements of classical musicians and the growth of classical music sales in the UK.The annual ceremony was established in 2000 to recognise the outstanding achievements of classical musicians and the growth of classical music sales in the UK.
The event, which included performances by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, will be broadcast on ITV1 on 15 May.The event, which included performances by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, will be broadcast on ITV1 on 15 May.
However, violinist Nigel Kennedy did not perform as he fell out with organisers because he wanted to play with glamorous string quartet Bond. Violinist Nigel Kennedy was scheduled to appear but withdrew after claiming he had been prevented from performing with female string quartet Bond.
He said the Brits committee vetoed his choice. Organisers confirmed "artistic differences" had prevented the musician from appearing.
Organisers confirmed "artistic differences" had prevented the artist from appearing.