The 2011 Classic BRIT Awards

With the O2 empty of glitter and confetti following February's Brit Awards, the stage is set for the Classic BRIT Awards. It will be hosted at the Royal Albert Hall on 12th May to celebrate the best of both British and International talent in classical music.

Since 2000, the Classic BRIT Awards has recognised classical music from its traditional roots to the more controversial populist crossover. This year's awards will upset purists again by widening its reach even further to include musical theatre, with the full theatrical touring cast of Les Misérables performing with the popular Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean.

Of course any awards worth their salt need yearly makeovers and this time the name has been changed from the Classical BRIT Awards to Classic BRITS, a modification that perhaps only the typesetter will notice, but otherwise it is business as usual, this being the fifth show presented by Mylene Klass. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and background in classical piano is becoming synonymous with the event and provides it the increasingly high profile it deserves.

The night will celebrate the winners of eight award categories, along with Artist of the Decade award, which in association with Raymond Weil, recognises the impact Il Divo have made on the public perception of classical music.

John Barry, the late film score composer, will be also honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, the first posthumous award in the history of both the Classic and pop BRIT awards. To commemorate this the organisers have confirmed that Dame Shirley Bassey will take to the stage for her debut Classic BRIT Awards appearance with a show-stopping performance of 'Goldfinger'.

Other performances will include trumpeter Alison Balsom, German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Eric Whitacre, while the London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren Green will accompany all performers on the night.

In keeping with its mainstream cousin, the evening's show will again culminate with the public voted Classic BRIT Award - Album of the Year, which last year went to the Welsh choir Only Men Aloud, who triumphed over Pope Benedict XVI's bid for success with Alma Mater - Music From The Vatican.

As mentioned, the previous absence of Il Divo has been finally noted, with the Artist of the Decade Award heading their way in an almost palpabale panic. But with them world-premiering a new song they clearly are a forgiving bunch, while nominees Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins will also be performing.

With the stately surrounds of the Royal Albert Hall demanding the strict dress code of formal wear (i.e. suits and cocktail dresses) and a crowd predictably eager to impress, it promises to be another evening of stately glamour, reflection and well-planned surprises.