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Classic BRIT Awards 2012: the ceremony
The moment has finally arrived! The greatest live performances, a host of celebrity guests and all the biggest awards, in a magical evening at the Royal Albert Hall. Classic FM are here all day, capturing the stunning pictures.
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1. Andrea Bocelli
Performing 'Amazing Grace', the wonderful Andrea Bocelli opened the show with a wonderful performance, accompanied by the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Chamber Orchestra.
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2. Myleene Klass
Myleene Klass, looking ravishing in orange, presenting the Classic BRITs 2012.
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3. Andrea Bocelli sings on stage
Andrea Bocelli, International Artist of the Year, is also nominated for Album of the Year, so he seems a perfect choice to kick off tonight's star-studded performances.
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4. Myleene Klass and Gareth Malone
Myleene Klass greets Gareth Malone, who is presenting the award for Female Artist this evening.
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5. Gareth Malone
Gareth Malone presenting the Female Artist award. He'll be performing later with the Military Wives Choir, who are also nominated for a Classic BRIT - a big night for Gareth Malone!
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6. Nicola Benedetti collects her award
Nicola Benedetti collects the award for Female Artist. She spoke out against the cuts in arts funding, and dedicated her award to music teachers.
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7. The stars of Phantom of the Opera perform
Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo sing 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again' on stage at the Royal Albert Hall
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8. Nicola Benedetti performs the theme to 'Schindler's List'
Playing the beautiful theme to Schindler's List, by Lifetime Achievement Award-winning composer John WIlliams, Nicola Benedetti casts her spell over the Royal Albert Hall audience. Picture: PA
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9. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber presents the International Artist of the Year Award
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber presents the award to Andrea Bocelli, who has sold more than 80 million copies of his music throughout his illustrious career. Picture: PA Photos
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10. Myleene Klass, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli told Lord Lloyd Webber he dreamed of one day performing a song written especially for him by the composer.
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11. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli smiles with his Classic BRIT Award, on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: PA Photos
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12. Russell Watson and Amore
Peter Brathwaite, Monica McGhee, Victoria Gray, David Webb of Amore sing with Russell Watson. They performed the patriotic song 'Race to the End', reminding us of London 2012 once more. Picture: PA Photos
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13. Russell Watson
Russell Watson performing at the 2012 Classic BRIT Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: PA Photos
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14. André Rieu
André Rieu performs 'Rosen As Dem Suden' with his amazingly dressed Johann Strauss Orchestra. Picture: PA Photos
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15. André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra
An amazing musical display, from a very well-dressed orchestra of performers, headed by none other than the King of Waltz himself, André Rieu.
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16. Janet Street-Porter
Janet Street-Porter, presenting the Critics' Award. She said the Classic BRITs gave critics a chance to reveal their positive side and reveal what they actually like!
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17. Benjamin Grosvenor collects the Critics' Award
Benjamin Grosvenor dedicated his award to his brother, who has to put up with his constant practising. He won the award for his album of Chopin, Liszt, and Ravel.
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18. Cerys Matthews
Cerys Matthews presenting the Male Artist Award at the 2012 Classic BRIT Awards. Conductor Vasily Petrenko won the award, and sent his acceptance speech via video link.
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19. Miloš Karadaglić performs 'Spanish Romance/Libertango'
Miloš Karadaglić, winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year, treated the audience to a live performance.
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20. Miloš Karadaglić and his tango dancers
A duo of dancers performed alongside the guitarist, showing off their sultry tango moves.
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21. Victoria Pendleton presents the Single of the Year Award
Olympic gold medal-winner, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, presented the Classic BRITs Single of the Year... And the winner is...?
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22. Gareth Malone, Paul Mealor, and the Military Wives
...The Military Wives Choir, Gareth Malone, and Paul Mealor, with 'Wherever You Are'! "You have got the whole country singing, thank you," said composer Paul Mealor to Gareth Malone.
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23. John Suchet presents the Lifetime Achievement Award
John Suchet presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to film music composer John Williams. He accepted his award via video link, and the London Chamber Orchestra performed a medley of his hits.
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24. Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir, with Gary Barlow and Lord Lloyd Webber
What a treat - so many brilliant performers on stage at once, proving once and for all that everyone can sing. They performed their jubilee song, 'Sing', as streamers fell from the ceiling.
