Tenor Russell Watson won two awards in 2001

The Classical Brits, now in their third year, will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on 23 May.

The event will include performances from Watson, classical female duo the OperaBabes, legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Czech mezzo-soprano, Magdalena Kozena.

Films

Kozena was also nominated for the best female artist award, as was violinist Tasmin Little.

Bocelli was confirmed as the winner of the award for the outstanding contribution to music.

Movie composers Tan Dun, Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer will do battle for the contemporary music award.

The OperaBabes will perform at the awards

Dunn is nominated for the music to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Shore is in the running for his score to The Lord of the Rings.

Zimmer is selected for his music to Hannibal and Gladiator.

Violin virtuoso Chlo� Hanslip receives a nomination for young British classical performer of the year.

She will compete against former young musician of the year, Guy Johnston, and fellow violinist Daniel Hope.

Popularity

The winners will be voted for by a panel made up of members of the media, the British Association of Record Dealers, the Musicians Union, industry executives and orchestra leaders.

However, the album of the year will be voted for by listeners of Classic FM.

Bocelli will be recognised for his contribution to music

And a panel of national media will decide the winner of the critics award.

The Classical Brits were established to recognise the outstanding achievements of classical musicians and the growth of classical music sales in the UK.

This year, in a move to help promote classical music, the British Phonographic Industry has set aside tickets for the awards ceremony for 30 UK schools.