Gramophone Awards 2012: Artist of the Year

Pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (pictured), soprano Natalie Dessay and tenor Joseph Calleja are just some of the illustrious names vying for the accolade of Artist of the Year 2012 in the Gramophone Classical Music Awards.

The magazine has thrown the final decision open to its readers to decide which figure from the world of classical music truly deserves this prestigious honour. 

Previous recipients have included violinist Hilary Hahn, vocal ensemble The Sixteen, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and mezzo Joyce DiDonato.

Full list of nominees for the Artist of the Year 2012 in the Gramophone Classical Music Awards: 

Stéphane Denève (conductor) 
Natalie Dessay (soprano)
Daniel Barenboim (pianist and conductor)
Joseph Calleja (tenor)
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (pianist)
Isabelle Faust (violinist)
Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor)
Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano)
Andris Nelsons (conductor)
Andreas Staier (fortepianist) 

The Gramophone Artist of the Year will be announced at London's Dorchester Hotel on 27 September. You can see all the Gramophone Award 2012 nominated artists here.