Thanks to the rise of shows like Pop Star to Opera Star and Britain's Got Talent, classical music has recently seen a resurgence in its popularity. So there were plenty of famous faces on the red carpet at the Classical Brit Awards this week, as the stars headed out to the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate achievement in the musical sphere.
Causing quite a stir at the event was host Myleene Klass who was a classical violinist before becoming a pop star. The 32-year-old beauty went for full-on glamour, in not one, but two gorgeous gowns. First up was a vibrant yellow frill-fronted dress by Joe Challita which perfectly accentuated the mum-of-one's curves.
A quick change later, and Myleene was ready for her hosting duties having slipped into a striking white strapless feathered Quintana Couture ball gown.
The night's big winners were, without a doubt, Only Men Aloud. The 19-string male choir – winners of BBC's Last Choir Standing in 2008 – beat the Pope to the album of the year award with Band of Brothers, as well as pipping 14-year-old Faryl Smith, a finalist on Britain's Got Talent in 2008, to the post.
New Zealand soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who also performed at the event, was named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award – an honour previously bestowed on stars of classical music including Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. Russian Vasily Petrenko – the chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Harmonic Orchestra - was named male artist of the year, while Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu was named best female artist. Stars including Hayley Westenra, Blake and Rhydian Roberts were also at the ceremony.
