Muso at the Classical Brits

Blogging is the new journalism. At least that's what most dedicated bloggers would have us believe. With that in mind, I'll be immortalising my innermost musical musings and keeping you up-to-date with what's happening at Muso HQ. The beauty of blogging is that unashamed rawness of the editorial - that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it.

Last night I went to my first event as Muso editor - the Classical BRITs. I'm sure some critics are predictably slating the event for serving up watered down 'classical light' but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Sure, with the exception of Steven Isserlis most of the performances were populist numbers but that's what a gig like the BRITs is all about. As long as you took it for what it is: an awards ceremony with wide-reaching appeal, then the night was a success.

Nigel Kennedy did his usual trick of stealing the headlines before the BRITs had even started. Media frenzy ensued as the press gleefully reported the controversial violinist had cancelled his appearance due to 'artistic differences'. Apparently Nige was disappointed he wasn't allowed to play with his quartet of choice - stunning string sensation Bond. We don't blame you Mr Kennedy!

Myleene 'anything you can do I can do better' Klass kept the show going and looked positively ravishing in a BPD (Big Purple Dress, the alternative take on the Little Black Dress). Her skirts were so voluminous, there was really no need for stage management - the performers could have waited in her petticoats rather than the wings. Perhaps it's the green-eyed monster in me, but her presenting was little contrived - the put-on radio voice seemed to grate after a while.

Nevertheless she was the belle of the ball and proof that classical will have a touch of Klass for a long time yet. Elsewhere bonny wee Nicola Benedetti made the award-acceptance faux-pas of falling up the stairs en route to collecting the Young British Classical Performer or Group Award from that shy retiring wallflower Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. (L-B is one of Classic FM's new presenters for those who are wondering what Changing Rooms and flouncy barnets have to do with classical music). The Scottish violinist accepted her award with modest grace and looked beautiful in a well-cut frock.

Performances included Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman singing Canto della terra

('Song of the Earth') with expected hand-holding/face-touching panache and Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell (of former G4 fame) doing Un giorno per noi.

The night closed with a catch-up with previous Muso editors Hazel and Femke. Hanging around the press pit we got in the way of some BBC filming and had a brief chat to classical's answer to Westlife, singing quartet Blake. Check out their vocal acrobatics (and their abs, ladies). Potential contenders for Muso coverage, watch this space…