Classical Brit Awards nominations announced...

Sir Charles Mackerras has been nominated in the Male Artist of the Year category of the 2009 Classical Brit Awards. The final nominations were announced in a launch event at London's Mayfair Hotel on the 20th April. The conductor, who's nominated for his recording of 'Mozart Symphonies 38 - 41' with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, is joined in this category by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the esteemed Sir Colin Davis.

Sir Charles and the SCO are also nominated in the Critics' Award. ‘Mozart Symphonies 38 - 41' was selected by a jury of critics as one of three nominees for the prestigious award. The recording is joined by Paul Lewis' ‘Beethoven Piano Sonatas Vol.4' and Gerald Finley and Julius Drake's ‘Schumann: Dichterliebe & Other Heine Settings'.

The results will be announced in a dazzling ceremony on Thursday the 14th May at the Royal Albert Hall and will be broadcast the following week on ITV1. For more information please visit the Classical Brit Awards 2009 website.