Westenra top of classical chart

The New Zealand-born singer, now 20, released her third album Pure when she was 15.

British stars Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins dominate the rest of the top 10 chart based on sales between January 2000 and December 2007.

The list was compiled by the Official UK Charts Company for Classic FM.

BIGGEST SELLING CLASSICAL ALBUMS 2000 - 2007

• 1. Pure - Hayley Westenra
• 2. The Voice - Russell Watson
• 3.Encore - Russell Watson
• 4. Voices of the Valley - Fron Male Voice Choir e
• 5. Living a Dream - Katherine Jenkins
• 6. Second Nature - Katherine Jenkins
• 7. Bryn - Bryn Terfel
• 8. Sentimento - Andrea Bocelli
• 9. Serenade, Katherine Jenkins
• 10. Gladiator, Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard

"Classical music is alive and kicking in 21st century Britain, with the sales of many of these albums rivalling those in the pop charts," said Classic FM's managing director Darren Henley.

Andrea Bocelli's album Sentimento was one of only three non-British entries in the top 10.

Watson, who is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour, took second and third spot with his albums The Voice and Encore.

Jenkins has three entries - Living a Dream, Second Nature and Serenade.

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