Conductor Sir Simon Rattle and tenor Russell Watson took top honors at the Classical Brit Awards last night (May 31) at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Billboard Bulletin reports. Rattle’s EMI Classics recording with the Berliner Philharmoniker of Mahler’s Symphony No. 10 was named ensemble/orchestral album of the year and received the critics’ award. Rattle also won for outstanding contribution.
Watson’s “The Voice” (Decca) was named album of the year and best-selling classical debut. Violinist Kennedy and soprano Angela Gheorghiu were named male and female artist of the year, respectively.
The ITV network will air a special on the Rover-sponsored awards on Sunday.