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Classical
Brit Awards 2000 |
Contributions
by: Mark, Joe, Steve, Dave, Rick, Jason (Team USA) and Adam,
Simon, Stephen, Hannah (Team England)
| Summary by
Hannah (Team England) |
Traveling down to London on Saturday 6th May, I considered the evening that lay ahead. In just a few short hours, hopefully, all of Charlotte's hard work would be rewarded with the ultimate accolade, at the first ever Classical Brit Awards. A very special occasion, and one that Charlotte would probably be somewhat apprehensive about. Not only was she nominated for three awards, but also she would be performing in front of a sell out crowd and many of the world's foremost classical artists at the Royal Albert Hall. Looking back at Charlotte's remarkable achievements over her short career, surely she would win something?
As the huge domed hall filled with audience and award nominees, I could see Charlotte's family sitting at their table. Her mother, father, Sony boss Paul Berger and two personal friends of Charlotte's were sat round the table, with one noticeable space, which was obviously for Charlotte, who was due to perform early on in the ceremony.
As lights the lights dimmed, the tension grew and we were introduced to our host for the evening, Trevor MacDonald, a well-known personality here in Britain. The set was of modern design, made to look like a city skyline, against a painted sky, in silvers and greys.
The ceremony opened with a bang to Vannessa-Mae and Storm, which was loud, raucous and brilliant! This was an excellent way to start the show, as it left an electric and expectant atmosphere. As Vanessa-Mae left the stage the first award was announced. The first award was for Young British Classical Performer. The nominees for this were Freddy Kempf, Colin Currie, Daniel Harding, Vanessa-Mae, Daniel Harding and Charlotte Church. Charlotte missed out on this award as it deservedly went to Daniel Harding, a talented conductor.
It was here that Charlotte arrived on stage to sing her first song, "La Pastorella". She was wearing a spectacular outfit, of silver, grey and pink, which consisted of a long skirt, and fitted, sleeveless top. I have to admit, it wasn't her best performance of this difficult song, but I think this was mostly due to technical difficulties. It was noticeable here, how Charlotte is becoming more expressive through her music, using her hands, and facial expressions to illustrate the mood of the music. However, the audience was impressed and Charlotte left the stage to great applause. She was soon back on stage again to perform her next song, 'Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer", in which again, there were technical problems. It is not clear what exactly happened here, but Charlotte was heard singing the opening lines of the song, but all we could see was the Male Voice Choir, on the stage. Whether, she was rushed back stage and wasn't quite prepared, I am not sure, but halfway through the second line, Charlotte appeared, quite inconspicuously at the side of the choir, and then, very professionally slowly walked up to her microphone at the front of the stage. It must have been very off-putting for her, but Charlotte handled it very well, and didn't let it upset her. She sang very well, and it went down a storm with the audience, who continued to applaud a long time after Charlotte had left the stage.
Strangely enough, the other awards that Charlotte was nominated for came and went, without Charlotte's name even being mentioned, even in the list of nominees. I was disappointed for Charlotte, but I could see her sitting at her table, where she appeared to be having a great time, laughing, joking and generally enjoying herself.
During the evening, we were treated to amazing performances from Kennedy, Lesley Garrett, Filippa Giodanni and Julian Lloyd Webber, but I still couldn't help feeling crestfallen that Charlotte had missed out. Then the host introduced Chris Smith MP on to the stage to announce the next award, which was to be for Best British Artist. He went on to describe the artist's achievements and how she'd made classical music more accessible while selling millions. When he announced Charlotte's name, her face lit up into her huge, smile, and she made her way onto the stage with the t.v. camera following. This is what she said:
"Oh My God!" ( Laughs from the audience)
" I never expected this, I've got nothing prepared. I just want to thank everyone I know!.....There that was easy. I'm going to put it in my bedroom!"
The audience of course, loved her and laughed at her breathless acceptance speech, and applauded loudly while Charlotte was obviously delighted to receive the award and clutched it for the rest of the evening. It seems that wherever Charlotte goes, a special atmosphere goes with her. She lit up the stage with her animated, lively acceptance speech, and after the awards, it was Charlotte that people wanted to talk to. She was surrounded by press and people wanting to speak to this golden girl with the golden award. Could it be that finally Charlotte is being accepted by the stuffy faction, which feels it owns all rights to classical music? To tell you the truth, I don't think Charlotte minds, I think she is happy with who she is and what she does, which is to bring joy to millions. |
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