Performances at the nominations event to include Blake,  Jonathan Ansell and Lawrence Power

The BPI, representing UK record companies, is delighted to announce that the world’s biggest selling classical star, Andrea Bocelli and two of Britain’s greatest ambassadors of classical music, Nigel Kennedy and, making her Classical BRITs performance debut, Sarah Brightman are confirmed to perform at the Classical BRIT Awards 2008 with NS&I at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 8 May.

This first announcement brings together three of the biggest classical stars within their field sharing the same stage for one night only. Italian operatic tenor, and former Classical BRIT Awards ‘Outstanding Achievement’ winner Andrea Bocelli, who has sold a staggering 55 million albums worldwide to date, will share the Classical BRITs stage with proud representatives of the UK, Nigel Kennedy and Sarah Brightman. As the best selling classical violinist of all time and best selling Soprano of all time, Nigel Kennedy and Sarah Brightman are the perfect celebration of British classical performers, providing inspiration to the future generations that the Classical BRIT Awards nurtures through its donations to the BRIT Trust.

The Classical BRIT Awards 2008 with NS&I takes place for the ninth consecutive year at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 8 May and is hosted by the multi-talented Myleene Klass. The ceremony, confirmed to broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday 15 May, is shaping up to be the most formidable line-up yet and will feature, not only the most captivating world-exclusive performances, but also reveal the winners of the seven sought after awards.

Nominations for The Classical BRIT Awards 2008 with NS&I will be unveiled on Tuesday 8 April at the Mayfair hotel. The categories are NS&I‘s Album of the Year, Young British Classical Performer or Group, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Critics’ Award, Original Soundtrack Of The Year and Outstanding Contribution. Making the nominations launch a night to remember, the BPI are also delighted to confirm that operatic sensation Jonathan Ansell, vocal quartet Blake and internationally acclaimed violist Lawrence Power will perform at the launch.

Co-chairmen of the Classical BRIT Awards Committee, UCJ’s Managing Director, Dickon Stainer and Head of EMI Classics UK, Thomas Kaurich said, “We are thrilled to announce that International stars Andrea Bocelli, Nigel Kennedy and Sarah Brightman are all confirmed for this year’s Classical BRITs. The show will be the biggest and boldest in the history of the event, and the launch event on April 8th will showcase some of the sensational young talent which has topped the classical chart over the last year.”

The last remaining tickets for The Classical BRIT Awards 2008 with NS&I have just been released and are now available from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on 020 7589 8212.

Source:Classicalbrits.co.uk