British conductor Antonio Pappano has also been shortlisted twice in the best male category and critics' award categories.

BBC: Classic Brits 'may honour musical theatre'

Elsewhere on the list, a knighthood has been conferred upon Antonio Pappano, the music director at the Royal Opera House in central London.

BBC: New Year Honours: London list includes ex-gang member

Last year's winners included British conductor Antonio Pappano, named best male artist, and operatic quartet Il Divo, who were crowned artists of the decade.

BBC: Composer John Williams to receive Classic Brit award

Vocally enhanced by a pumped-up soundtrack and accompanied by the Royal Opera House Orchestra, under the high-throttle leadership of Antonio Pappano, they all sound magnificent.

NEWYORKER: Tosca

Among the other new sirs are Picasso biographer and historian John Richardson, who is recognised for services to art, and conductor Antonio Pappano, music director at the Royal Opera House.

BBC: Search the

Two British conductors, Opera North's Richard Farnes and the Royal Opera House's Antonio Pappano will battle it out with Germany's Ingo Metzmacher and Christian Thielemann, and Italian Nicola Luisotti for the conductor trophy.

BBC: Opera magazine to hold inaugural awards in London

The San Francisco Symphony returns to Southbank Centre for the first time in 19 years conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, while Antonio Pappano will return for the first time since 1998 conducting Rome-based Orchestra and Chorus of the Academy of Santa Cecilia.

BBC: Entertainment & Arts