LONDON (Reuters) –
Pope Benedict,
whose voice is featured on an album of music from the Vatican, was
nominated on Monday for a Classical Brit Award.
"Music From the Vatican (Alma Mater featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI)"
is one of 10 records contesting the album of the year category, as is
14-year-old "Britain's Got
Talent" star Faryl Smith with her debut album "Faryl."
Smith was also nominated for the young classical performer prize ahead
of the awards ceremony on May 13.
Also nominated twice for the awards, sponsored by financial services
group NS&I, are Antonio
Pappano, conductor and music director of the Royal Opera, and
composer Howard Goodall.
Featuring three previous winners, the category for female artist of the
year is expected to be one of the most hotly contested categories on the
night. Romanian soprano Angela
Gheorghiu (winner 2001), Russian soprano Anna Netrebko (winner
2007 and 2008) and U.S. conductor and violinist Marin Alsop (winner 2005) all received
nominations for 2010.
At the prize ceremony in London's Royal Albert Hall, New Zealand
soprano Kiri Te Kanawa
will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.