Vocal quartet Il Divo were last night (12th May) honoured with the Artist of the Decade award at the Classic BRIT Awards 2011 - the first time the award has been handed out.
The group, who have undoubtedly broadened the appeal of operatic music, have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. Speaking at the ceremony, Urs Bühler of Il Divo commented: "It's really strange to me, our success - the four of us are singers, we've all been singers for a long time prior to Il Divo, we go into the studio, we take songs, we record them the way that we all feel them and out comes Il Divo, and that's it!"
Other winners on the night included composer John Barry, who was honoured posthumously with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. Barry is perhaps best remembered for his penning the themes to "Born Free", "Out of Africa" and Bond films including "Diamonds are Forever". Long-term collaborator Don Black and "Born Free" star Virginia McKenna presented the award on behalf of Barry, who passed away in January aged 77.
Full list of winners
Newcomer Award in association with MasterCard: Vilde Frang
Female Artist of the Year - Alison Balsom - 'Italian Concertos'
Composer of the Year -Arvo Part 'Symphony No. 4'
Male Artist of the Year - Antonio Pappano 'Rossini: Stabat Mater'/'Verismo Arias'
Critics' Award - Tasmin Little 'Elgar: Violin Concerto'
Artist of the Decade - Il Divo
Classic FM Album of the Year - Andre Rieu and Johann Strauss Orchestra 'Moonlight Serenade'
Outstanding Contribution to Music - John Barry OBE
