Classical BRIT Awards 2007 Feel Rock Music Presence
Rock musicians are crossing over into the classical realm, a trend reflected in this year's Classical BRIT Awards. Not only did Sting make the short list with his album of John Dowland songs, but he was beaten in the Album of the Year category by none other than Paul McCartney, whose recording of Ecce Cor Meum took home the prize. But not only did the former Beatle compose this lengthy oratorio, he also wrote it in an early music style.
The BRIT Awards are determined in part by audience selection (listeners of Classic FM and readers of the magazine voted on the awards). Public visibility might in part account for Paul McCartney’s win.
Other Awards
American John Adams and Russian Anna Netrebko were also recognized, winning the Contemporary Composer category and Singer of the Year award respectively. Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic took the Classical Recording of the Year award. The youthful 28-year-old Ruth Palmer garnered the Young British Classical Performer award.
Notable Runner-Ups
Sir Paul McCartney had some formidable competition. In addition to Sting, McCartney faced baritone Bryn Terfel, tenor Alfie Boe, and mezzosoprano Katherine Jenkins. John Williams was nominated for his score to Munich, but lost to George Fenton (Planet Earth). Violinist Nicola Benedetti contended for both Instrumentalist of the Year and Young British Classical Performer, but failed to bring home either award.
Listening to the Award Winners
The Classical BRIT Awards 2007 with NS&I took place May 3, 2007. The awards will be broadcast in England on channel ITV 1, Sunday, May 13, 2007. Photos of the event are available on the Classical BRIT Awards website. To complete the audio/visual experience, curious listeners can purchase a shorthand compilation of the winning recordings. The albums are also available at Amazon UK (although a few are available on Amazon).
Classical BRIT Awards 2007: Winners
Album of the Year
Paul McCartney - Ecce Cor Meum
Classical Recording of the Year
Berliner Philharmoniker/Sir Simon Rattle - Holst/The Planets
Singer of the Year
Anna Netrebko --Russian Album and Violetta
Young British Classical Performer
Ruth Palmer - Shostakovich/Violin Concerto No 1
Soundtrack Composer of the Year
Instrumentalist of the Year
Critic's Award
Freiburg Baroque Orchestra/RIAS Kammerchoir/Rene Jacobs - Mozart/La Clemenza di Tito
Contemporary Composer Award
John Adams - The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Vernon Handley, CBE
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