Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wins Best Classical Artist at The Global Awards 2020

5 March 2020, 20:57 | Updated: 5 March 2020, 21:45

The brilliant young cellist came top of the classical category at this year’s star-studded Global Awards with very.co.uk.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE has been named Best Classical Artist at The Global Awards 2020.

The chart-topping cellist picked up the award at the glitzy ceremony, which took place at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo in London on Thursday 5 March.

“It’s such an honour,” Sheku said in his acceptance speech. “I’d firstly like to thank my teacher, Hannah Roberts, for always inspiring me. And everyone at the Royal Academy of Music where I study. I want to thank everyone at Decca Classics and my management.

“But most importantly, I want to thank my family. My dad’s here and I want to thank my mum as well, and my brother, and all my sisters.”

He beat out choirmaster Gareth Malone, guitarist MILOŠ, composer-pianist Alma Deutscher and singer Russell Watson, who were all nominated for the publicly-voted prize.

Kanneh-Mason made history this year, becoming the first cellist to reach the top 10 of the UK Official Album Chart with his album Elgar – featuring a recording of the composer’s Cello Concerto, among other pieces.

Read more: Nicola Benedetti named Best Classical Artist at The Global Awards 2019 >

Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass co-hosted the annual awards show, which recognises some of the most exciting names in music.

Aled Jones and Russell Watson were this year’s classical performers, singing two duets – the popular Neapolitan song ‘Funiculì, Funiculà’ and Morricone’s ‘Cinema Paradiso’.

They joined artists from all Global’s radio stations including Smooth, Gold, Heart, Radio X, Capital, Capital XTRA and LBC to celebrate the biggest stars of news and entertainment.

At last year’s ceremony, Scottish violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti took home the Best Classical Artist award. She shared the stage with piano superstar Lang Lang, who performed on the night.

Watch the Global Awards 2020 live at ClassicFM.com.