Jonas Kaufmann wins Critics' Award at the Classic BRITs 2013

2 October 2013, 21:35 | Updated: 2 October 2013, 21:41

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann has won the Critics' Award at the Classic BRIT Awards for his album Wagner vocal works, released earlier this year.

"The Critics' Award is selected by a panel of critics all working in the national media," said host Myleene Klass.

Jonas Kaufmann's album of Wagner vocal works managed to see off strong competition from John Wilson, the Hallé Orchestra and Boris Giltburg. 

It's the tenor's first Classic BRIT award. He was also nominated for Male Artist of the Year but lost out to Daniel Barenboim. 

His award was announced at the glittering awards ceremony held in London's Royal Albert Hall by journalist Selina Scott.

"The Critics' Awards is a great category for journalists not least because it gives us a rare chance to give something back to the musicians who have provided us with so much pleasure over the last year," said Scott.

Kaufmann was unable to accept the award in person, as he's currently rehearsing in Vienna. He sent a video message to the ceremony back in London.

"It's really something that is very close to my heart, all these recordings that I'm doing," he said. "I can't tell you how much I'm happy and pleased to have received this award."