Meghan’s cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wins two Classic Brit Awards trophies
Written by News on 14/06/2018
The teenage cellist who played at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has bagged two of the top awards at the Classic Brit Awards.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, 19, won male artist of the year and the critics’ choice prize at the classical equivalent to the Brits, which was held at the Royal Albert Hall.
Hosted by Myleene Klass and Alexander Armstrong, the event celebrates music from the worlds of classical, film, television, theatre and games.
Accepting the critics’ choice award, which he dedicated to his parents, the Nottingham-raised musician said: “I feel very lucky to have had some amazing musical education from a young age.
“I think the skills I have learned, especially listening, would improve the world we live in today.”
The BBC Young Musician of 2016 has previously said he was “bowled over” when the Duchess of Sussex called him personally to ask him to play in the chapel during the royal wedding.
Other winners on the night were duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe who were awarded group of the year and album of the year – which they celebrated with an on-stage kiss.
The lifetime achievement award won by wartime singer Dame Vera Lynn to mark her 101st year was collected on her behalf by her daughter Virginia.
A message from Dame Vera described her “surprise and happiness” at being chosen for the award.
Dame Vera’s note went on: “I never imagined when a small child growing up in East Ham that I would be able to travel around the world as I have done, and seen and experienced so many interesting places and to meet so many interesting people.”
She is the first and only centenarian to earn a Top 10 on the Official Albums Chart, with compilation album Vera Lynn 100.
Cats and Evita composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, 70, received a special honour for his contribution to musical theatre, awarded to him by Dame Shirley Bassey.
Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins also returned to the stage – singing a hit from Brits soundtrack of the year winner The Greatest Showman – just two months after giving birth to her second child, Xander.
Full list of Classical Brits winners
Female Artist of the Year – Renee Fleming
Male Artist of the Year – Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Group of the Year – Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
Soundtrack of the Year – The Greatest Showman OST/Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Critics’ Choice in association with Apple Music – Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Classic FM Album of the Year – Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
Classic Brits Icon – Andrea Bocelli
Sound of Classical 2018 – Jess Gillam
PPL Classic Brits Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Tokio Myers
Special Recognition Award for Musical Theatre & Education – Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dame Vera Lynn
(c) Sky News 2018: Meghan’s cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wins two Classic Brit Awards trophies
