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Vasily Petrenko Wins Classical BRIT Award

Vasily Petrenko Wins Classical BRIT Awards Male 'Artist of the Year'

Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, was announced as Male Artist of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards 2010 with NS&I during a glittering gala show at London's Royal Albert Hall last night.

Hosted by Myleene Klass, the classical music event of the year will be broadcast on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD on Tuesday, 18 May at 10.35pm.

Petrenko beat off stiff competition in the 'Male Artist' category from the acclaimed Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel and Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

The BRIT Awards are organised by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and are the classical equivalent of pop music's Grammy or BRIT Awards. Vasily Petrenko's award recognises his critically acclaimed recordings with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. These include the first three releases in a Shostakovich symphony cycle, Nos. 11, 5 & 9 and No. 8 (Naxos) and the first two releases in the recording of Rachmaninov's orchestral music and piano concertos, of Symphonic Dances and Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 3, with pianist Simon Trpčeski (AVIE).

'Something very special is happening in Liverpool, if these thrilling Shostakovich recordings are typical of the Petrenko effect on the RLPO. Petrenko's achievement is astonishing, and the playing is world class.' The Sunday Times on Shostakovich Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9

In winning his Classical BRIT, Vasily Petrenko said: I am honoured to be nominated in the same category as Bryn and Antonio and very proud to win this award not just for me, but on behalf of the musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, as this award recognises their musicianship and the great musical partnership we have established together. I'd like to thank our audiences and supporters in Liverpool too. We are all enjoying an exciting musical journey together."

Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: "I am delighted that Vasily has received this recognition, which is richly deserved for his impact on music not only in Liverpool but in the UK and internationally. Under his brilliant musical leadership, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is going from strength to strength. We are receiving great critical acclaim, and, as importantly, an outstanding response from our audiences in Liverpool. Our many partners, especially Liverpool City Council, recognise what the Phil is achieving, and with their continuing support and Vasily Petrenko as our Chief Conductor we know we can continue to grow as a major international cultural force for Liverpool."