Classic BRIT Awards 2013: behind the scenes

1. John Suchet on the air

Classic FM is broadcasting live from the Classic BRITs 2013! Our very own John Suchet is on the air, soaking up the atmosphere.

2. Our roving reporter, John Suchet

Standing ornately between the piles of chairs in the Royal Albert Hall, John Suchet is at the Classic BRITs 2013.

3. Getting the hall ready

The chairs are still stacked - come on guys, dinner's at 6:30!

4. The stage is set

Preparations are underway as the stage is set for tonight's Classic BRITs 2013 - soon it will be full of the world's biggest classical stars!

5. Dinner time...

The tables are already set for the Classic BRITs. Wonder what's on the menu?

6. John Suchet in the Albert Hall

Our very own John Suchet turns roving reporter, soaking up the atmosphere at the Classic BRITs.

7. Tonight's podium

The podium receives some special attention ahead of the festivities tonight.

8. John Suchet in the Albert Hall

"How long until I have to start talking?" John Suchet takes a look around the scene of tonight's Classic BRIT Awards.

9. Alfie Boe and Samantha Barks in rehearsal

Alfie Boe and Samantha Barks in rehearsal for the Classic BRITs - they'll be singing some classic hits from the stage and screen.

10. Who's performing at the Classic BRITs?

This dressing room might give you a clue...! Hans Zimmer, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang - so many of the biggest and brightest classical stars under one roof, preparing for the evening ceremony.

11. The view from the back...

A rare glimpse into the life of an orchestral musician: the view on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Bet John Suchet wishes he'd brought his trombone now.

12. Joseph Calleja rehearses on stage

Accompanied by full orchestra - and a field of flowers projecting on the walls - the 'Maltese Tenor' is sounding awesome already. Tonight's performance is sure to be a hit.

13. Rehearsals in full swing

Is that the strains of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 we can hear?

14. Lang Lang's Steinway

Hey, Lang Lang, you'd better get used to this view - you'll be seeing it for a large chunk of the evening!

15. John Suchet, Jamie Crick and...

A giant Classic BRIT Award, of course! Unless Nick Bailey's invested in a giant metallic frock for the evening do...

Lang Lang and Nicola Benedetti at the Classic BRIT

16. Laser display

Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang and the London Chamber Orchestra rehearse Khachaturian's energetic Sabre Dance, complete with flashing lights and lasers. We don't do things by halves here at the Classic BRITs.

17. Jamie Crick takes the mic

Taking over from John Suchet, it's Jamie Crick presenting Requests with a difference, live in the Royal Albert Hall!

18. The conductor's podium

Christian Warren-Green will be gracing the podium this evening for a selection of tunes, from music from Moulin Rouge to tunes by Beethoven.

19. Sabre Dance on stage

The ultimate classical duet: Lang Lang and Nicola Benedetti are clearly having a great time performing together. Is that a snippet of Rach 2 we can hear, Lang Lang?

20. Female Artist of the Year

Joyce DiDonato, Nicola Benedetti, and Alison Balsom are all up for the prize at tonight's ceremony... stay tuned to find out who's won.

21. The Classic BRITs red carpet

Adding even more showbiz glamour to the afternoon's proceedings, the red carpet is almost ready to escort the stars to the Royal Albert Hall.

Myleene Klass Nicola Benedetti Instagram

22. #Stradivarius

Taking a quick break from rehearsals, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang, and presenter Myleene Klass grab a quick instagram snap, complete with Nicola's priceless Stradivarius violin. Photo @Myleeneklass