Dark Knight composer up for Brits

Hans Zimmer co-wrote The Dark Knight soundtrack

James Newton Howard has been nominated twice in the best soundtrack category at the Classical Brits for his work on films The Dark Knight and I Am Legend.

Co-composer Hans Zimmer is also nominated for his work on the latest instalment of the Batman series.

Conductor Charles Mackerras, who recently won two BBC Music Magazine awards, is up for male artist of the year and the critics award.

The 10th Classical Brit Awards take place in London on 14 May.

Mackerras is nominated for his recording of Mozart Symphonies nos. 38-41.

Trumpeter Alison Balsom will compete alongside opera singers Anna Netrebko and Danielle De Niese for the female artist of the year award.

Three Tenors

Howard Goodall and Steve Reich picked up debut nominations in the composer of the year category for Eternal Light - A Requiem and Steve Reich's Daniel Variations respectively.

Album of the year will be voted for by listeners of Classic FM and readers of Classic FM magazine. Nominees include Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra and Katherine Jenkins.

Two of the surviving Three Tenors, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, are to attend the Awards.

Carreras will collect a lifetime achievement award at the gala, which will include performances from Katherine Jenkins and teen star Faryl Smith.

Smith, 13, whose album has become the UK's fastest-selling classical debut, will be the youngest artist to perform at the Classical Brits.

The event, hosted by Myleene Klass, will be broadcast on ITV1 on 19 May.