The Classic Brit Awards
‘Artist Of The Decade’
World Premier Performance Of New Il Divo Song Confirmed
London, Monday 4 April 2011: The UK’s recorded music association, The BPI, has announced today that the incomparable Il Divo will be the first-ever recipient of the special recognition ‘Artist of the Decade’ award at the Classic BRIT Awards 2011. Taking place at the Royal Albert Hall on 12 May 2011, Il Divo have also confirmed that they will be performing at the event, world premiering a song from their forthcoming studio album, which will be released in November this year.
This will mark Il Divo's first live performance in the UK since 2009.
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, and the introduction of the ‘Artist of the Decade’ award recognises the massive impact that Il Divo have made worldwide on the ever-changing public face of classical music.
The spectacular rise and rise of Il Divo has been incredible, with the band bringing an entirely new sound to the worlds of popular and classical music. Il Divo are the most successful international musical break-out story of this millenium, selling more than 25 million albums. The group have received over 150 gold and platinum awards in 33 countries and their first four albums, ‘Il Divo’, ‘Ancora’, ‘Siempre’ & ‘The Promise’ have achieved 50 #1 album chart positions internationally. This includes a #1 debut in the United States for ‘Ancora’ - the only classical crossover album to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Their first album was also the highest charting debut album ever for a UK signed act in America at the time.
Il Divo have also quickly established themselves on the live stage, selling over 2 million concert tickets. Their third world tour ‘An Evening With Il Divo’ spanned most of 2009 and travelled a full arena show across six continents, with over 130 dates. It scored them the ‘Billboard Breakthrough Award’ for one of the biggest grossing tours of the year.
"When we joined Il Divo none of us had done anything like this before. We were excited to break from our traditional roots and create something new. The immediate and overwhelmingly positive response from the public gave us even more encouragement to continue our journey. Performing and recording are what we love, but receiving this award is a great honour." - David Miller, Il Divo.
As a UK signed act, with massive international success, the Artist of the Decade award continues to reinforce the Classic BRIT Awards support and celebration of British backed achievements worldwide.
Established in 2000 to honour and recognise all forms of classical music from contemporary to crossover, opera to soundtracks, traditional to theatre, the Classic BRIT Awards 2011 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 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. The London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren Green will accompany all performers.
Tickets are on sale now 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.
Tagged in Il Divo