Classic Brit Awards 2018: Royal wedding cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wins two awards

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (Getty)

The teenage cellist who performed at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won two prizes at this year's Classic Brit awards.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason won male artist of the year and the critics' choice award after being handpicked to perform at the royal wedding ceremony last month.

He made history in 2016 after becoming the first black winner of the BBC Young Musician competition, and surprised the industry with the cross-over success of his debut album Inspiration.

Meanwhile Dame Vera Lynn picked up a lifetime achievement award, which her daughter accepted on her behalf, and Michael Ball and Alife Boe were named group of the year. Their LP Together Again was also voted album of the year.

Dave Vera said it was "lovely" to still be acknowledged and expressed surprise at her award because it has been so long since she last performed.

"That's something from the past unfortunately, but it's still nice to know that I'm remembered," she said.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli were recognised for their services to the music industry, while other winners included Tokio Meyers and Renee Fleming.

The Classic Brits awards ceremony took place at the Royal Albert Hall after a five-year hiatus, and was hosted by Classic FM presenters Myleene Lass and Alexander Armstrong.

Performing on the night were mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, who appeared in her first televised show since the birth of her second child.

Brit Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor said he was pleased with the diversity of the winners recognised on the night.

"It's wonderful to see great icons such as Dame Vera Lynn and Andrea Bocelli being rightly honoured but also very encouraging to witness a new wave bristling with talent," he said.

"With such exciting new artists, classical music is evolving and embracing the opportunities that the streaming era offers to connect with new fans."