Julian Bream on his legendary career: "I never listen to my own recordings!"

17 September 2013, 12:27 | Updated: 9 October 2013, 11:31

The legendary guitarist is announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award ahead of the star-studded ceremony at LSO St Luke's, London, this evening.

Born in London in 1933, Julian was inspired to pick up the guitar by his jazz-loving father. He's gone on to become an advocate for lute, bringing the instrument into public consciousness, as well as the classical guitar.

The Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Award will be yet another accolade to add to the performer's trophy cabinet. As well as an OBE and a CBE, Bream has won Grammy Awards, the Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist's Award, and has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates by prestigious institutions including the Royal College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Receiving his award, ever-modest Bream said: "I'm thrilled to get this award... especially as I haven't made a recording in 20 years! I never even listen to my own recordings!"

On presenting the award, fellow guitarist Milos said Julian's 'prodigous talent and msucial heart changed the course of the world of the guitar' and described him as a 'true pioneer' of the instrument.

Previous winners of the prestigious accolade include Claudio Abbado, Janet Baker, Alfred Brendel and André Previn.