John Barry honoured with Classic BRIT

The late film score composer John Barry will be honoured with a Classic BRIT Award next month, the first posthumous award in the history of both the Classic and pop BRITs.

Following the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the Royal Albert Hall, music from some of Barry’s greatest scores will be performed, including a rendition of 'Goldfinger' by Dame Shirley Bassey.

John Barry wrote more than 125 soundtracks over his career, which spanned almost 50 years, and won five Oscars, two of them for the film Born Free. He’s best known for his music for 11 of the Bond films.

Barry’s wife Laurie commented on the award: "John would be so honoured to be receiving the 'Outstanding Contribution to Music Award' at The Classic BRIT Awards. He was an advocate of classical musicians and the growth of classical music in the UK. On behalf of his family, we are very grateful that he has been recognized for his achievements."

More tickets for the Classic BRIT Awards have just been released. The spectacular gala evening at the Royal Albert Hall on 12 May will be hosted by Myleene Klass and will feature performances by Alison Balsom, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Eric Whitacre, Alfie Boe, Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins and Il Divo, all accompanied by the London Chamber Orchestra.

Cast your vote for the Classic FM Album of the Year Award now and you could win tickets to the Classic BRITs!