Hans Zimmer triumphs at Classic Brits

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24379667

Version 0 of 1.

Hans Zimmer was a double winner at the Classic Brits awards, winning composer of the year, as well as an award for outstanding contribution to music.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti was named female artist of the year for a second year running, while Daniel Barenboim took the male artist prize.

The event climaxed with an emotional tribute to Luciano Pavarotti.

A posthumous lifetime achievement award was presented to his widow Nicoletta Mantovani by tenor Jose Carreras.

Pavarotti had agreed to accept the award six years ago but died before the ceremony. Placido Domingo, who, alongside Carreras and Pavarotti, completed the famous Three Tenors, also recorded a video tribute to the late Italian star.

Nine awards were presented at the ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday.

Andre Rieu, and his Johann Strauss orchestra, took the album of the year prize for a record-breaking third successive year, triumphing with his release, Magic Of The Movies. Rieu has dominated the classical charts for the past five years, going to number one with each of his last four albums.

Zimmer, who created the scores to films such as Gladiator, The Lion King and the Pirates Of The Caribbean series, won composer of the year for his work on the soundtracks to box office hits Man Of Steel and The Dark Knight Rises.

The German composer - and Hollywood favourite - collected his outstanding contribution prize from Sir Michael Caine.

Pianist Lang Lang, named best international artist, was among the performers at the ceremony, duetting for the first time with Benedetti. Through his volunteer work with children, the pianist has encouraged more than 40 million children in China to learn to play piano.

Former winner, choirmaster Gareth Malone made his debut with his new ensemble Voices at the ceremony, hosted by Myleene Klass. Saxophonist Amy Dickson, winner of the breakthrough artist Brit, also played, while Les Miserables singers Alfie Boe and Samantha Barks brought the evening to a close.

The event - established in 2000 to honour and recognise all forms of classical music - will be broadcast on ITV on Sunday 6 October at 22:20 BST.