Laura Wright to collect Silver Clef Classical Award

Laura Wright is to be awarded the PPL Classical Award at the star-studded 02 Silver Clef Awards, in aid of Nordoff Robbins, on Friday 29th June. Last year's winner Alfie Boe will present the award to Laura on the night.

The Silver Clef Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the music industry, and will see Laura celebrated amongst previous Classical Award winners including Russell Watson, Nicola Benedetti, Faryl Smith, Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins.

Speaking to Classic FM following the news about her award, Laura told us: "It's one of the biggest achievements in my life. I'm so proud. It's the first award I've ever been given as a soloist". The annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards which began in 1975, is now the jewel in the charity’s fundraising crown and a highlight of the UK music industry’s calendar. Sponsored by O2 for the past ten years, and now in its 37th year, the event has raised over £8 million for Nordoff Robbins since its inception. 

Laura, who has been working with the charity to help children living with illness, disability, trauma or isolation; transforming their lives through the power of music, also said: "Music changes lives. Music can touch everyone emotionally. Making music and helping young people is such a natural thing to do and can have such a great impact on so many people".

The Silver Clef award is the highlight of what has been an extraordinary two years for Laura. In 2011 she became one of the UK’s biggest-selling classical artists with her debut album 'The Last Rose' and with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations approaching, this year is set to be even busier.

Classic FM's Lucy Coward spoke to Laura all about her work with Nordoff Robbins. Listen to the interview below

Interview with Laura Wright

Laura's new album 'Glorious', released on 28 May, commemorates The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and features a host of British classics which she will perform in front of the Queen at several Jubilee events this year, including at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames.

Listen to tracks from Glorious here