The Classic BRIT Awards has revealed its official partners for this year's ceremony.
Apple Music, Classic FM, PPL and the Royal Albert Hall are backing the first Classic BRIT Awards to be staged in five years. The awards show, which will air on ITV, takes place on June 13 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Classic FM is a long-term supporter of the Classic BRIT Awards. For the return of the ceremony, the station is sponsoring the Classic FM Album Of The Year Award, voted for by its listeners.
Classic FM will also provide significant exposure for the Sound Of Classical Poll, a competition for classical artists aged 13-30. The winner will be chosen by an expert panel and revealed at the ceremony.
Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s managing editor, said: “Like the Classic BRITs, we’re passionate about making classical music accessible and relevant to everyone, so it’s fantastic to be part of this celebration of world-class talent. Supporting emerging artists is particularly important to us, and we’re thrilled to be providing a platform to showcase young performers through the Sound of Classical Poll. We’re very much looking forward to what is set to be a great night.”
Apple Music was the official digital partner of the BRITs this year and the streaming platform has also signed up to the Classic BRITs. This year's Critics’ Choice Award will be in association with Apple Music.
PPL is also on board as an awards category partner for the ceremony next month.
Peter Leathem, PPL CEO, said: “We are pleased to see the return of the Classic BRITs to the historic Royal Albert Hall on June 13 and to sponsor the Breakthrough award, championing the most exciting emerging artists. The ceremony will champion a diverse range of talent, including many individuals from within our record company and performer community, and we look forward to being part of an event that recognises music from the worlds of classical, film, television, theatre and games.”
Lucy Noble, artistic director of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “It’s a real honour for us to welcome the Classic BRITs back to the Hall next month. We’re committed to making classical music accessible to all, both through high-profile events and education and outreach initiatives, and these very special awards do an incredible job of raising the profile of the genre, as well as celebrating some of the most extraordinary artists working today.”
Geoff Taylor, chief executive BPI & BRIT Awards, added: “We value the tremendous support of our Classic BRITs partners – Classic FM, Apple Music, PPL and the Royal Albert Hall as well as our record label members - and thank them for their commitment in helping to bring The Classic BRITs back after a five-year hiatus. Their shared passion for classic music in all its diverse and exciting new forms is not only providing support to an extraordinary new wave of talent, it is also helping to broaden the appeal of classic music among the next generation of music fans.”
Performers confirmed so far include Andrea Bocelli, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, Sir Bryn Terfel and pianist Tokio Myers, who will be named Classic BRITs Breakthrough Artist Of The Year.
Dame Vera Lynn has already been announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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