Opera star Carly Paoli celebrates Classic BRIT nomination

Opera singer Carly Paoli has become a household name in Italy, best known for her light and playful interpretation of arias and musical theatre standards alike. But although the British-Italian singer has sung her way to success in Europe, she is now seeing her star rise here at home as she celebrates being shortlisted for a Classic BRIT Award.

Paoli is nominated for the UK's most prestigious classical music award's first ever Sound of Classical prize, an award that will be chosen by public poll with the winner announced at the live ceremony, held at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 June.

"I had to pinch myself when I found out that I was nominated for a Brit Award and I’ve been thanking the Lord ever since I received this incredible and completely joyous news," said Paoli. "Since I was a little girl, I dreamt about singing and sharing my music with an audience. Now that my dreams have come true, I hope other young people can be inspired to follow theirs. I am so excited, so grateful and so thrilled by this prestigious nomination."

The singer, who boasts Three Tenors great José Carreras as a mentor and whose song 'Ave Maria' became The Vatican's official song for the Holy Year of Mercy 2016 Jubilee Celebrations, released her debut album 'Singing my Dreams' in 2017. The album was a mix of opera classic, musical theatre standards and original pieces, reaching No.2 in the UK Classical Albums chart. >>

Related: Singing her dreams: operatic star Carly Paoli on preparing for Cadogan Hall

While Paoli has performed for such names as the Pope and the Prince of Wales, her first ever UK headline show was played at London's Cadogan Hall on 15 February this year. Speaking exclusively to Tempus ahead of the concert, Paoli said her album was the culmination of her life's passions so far.

"The release of my album was something I felt I had been working towards all of my life, so when it finally happened it was a dream come true – which I think explains why I called it ‘Singing My Dreams,’ because I felt that was what I was doing," she said.

"Every career has its ups and downs, but I suppose the trick is to make sure that you grasp every opportunity that comes your way. If you think ‘this is it,’ you stop progressing. You can say, ‘this is incredible,’ and savour the moment. But then you need to move on to the next challenge."

Hosted by Myleene Klass, this year marks the Classic BRITs' return after a five year absence. Dame Vera Lynn will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Tokio Myers will take the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Gong. The two will also go up against Sheridan Smith, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Jools Holland, and Alexander Armstrong for the Classic FM Album of the Year Award – as well as competing for Best Female Artist and Best Male Artist respectively.