CLASSIC BRIT AWARDS 2011

WORLD’S PREMIER CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD SHOW BACKS BRITISH TALENT

Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe with Les Misérables and Il Divo to perform

London, Monday 14 March 2011: The UK’s recorded music association, The BPI, has announced today that the Classic BRIT Awards, formerly the Classical BRIT Awards will take place on 12 May 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall with their most breathtaking show and celebration of British talent to date.

The Classic BRIT Awards, now in its twelfth year has played a major role in supporting and nurturing talent in both the core classical and crossover world. The introduction of a new name reflects the show’s ambition to embrace a more diverse range of music genres including musical theatre.

Established in 2000 to honour and recognise all forms of classical music from contemporary to crossover, opera to soundtracks, traditional to theatre, the 2011 Classic BRIT Awards will celebrate British successes both nationally and internationally. Forming a two-hour musical spectacular, this gala night will feature some of the greatest British talent and music, plus global stars on the same stage for one magnificent night.

Hosted by the incomparable Myleene Klass for a fourth consecutive year, the Classic BRIT Awards 2011 is thrilled to confirm that for the very first time a full theatrical cast will perform, bringing British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables to the stage with Blackpool born, Alfie Boe in the role as Jean Valjean. Salford’s finest Russell Watson, one of the UK’s most successful tenors makes a welcome return to the event, as does Wales’ most famous mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins. Making their Classic BRIT Award debut will be Il Divo, the original and world’s most popular operatic quartet. The London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren Green will accompany all performers.

Alfie Boe commented: "This year’s innovations, to this already fantastic annual awards show are to be applauded. By broadening the eligibility and making it more inclusive it has allowed shows like Les Misérables to be featured. I’m delighted to be a part of this wonderful show.”

Completing the evening, the Classic BRIT Awards will honour the previous year’s success stories in classical music, climaxing with the public voted Classic BRIT Award for Album of the Year.

The Classic BRIT Awards are proud to celebrate the eclectic and diverse nature of the genre featuring past performances from Placido Domingo to Sting; Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Lang Lang with Herbie Hancock; Jose Carreras to Nigel Kennedy, and with more performances still to be announced, the evolution of the Classic BRIT Awards presents endless possibilities for their most dynamic and extravagant show ever.

Tickets go on sale 9:00am Monday 14 March and are available from the Royal Albert Hall box office on 020 7589 8212. Ranging from £20 to £287.50 for a full dinner/show experience, the Classic BRIT Awards remains one of the best value for money experiences on the classical calendar.

The Classic BRIT awards 2011 will be broadcast on ITV1 in May.