Sun 7 Mar 2004
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'Chilled'
Classics Spark Hot Sales Streak
By
Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor, PA News
Classical
music is enjoying a renaissance with sales up by 1 million
last year, according to figures published today.
Sixteen-year-old
singer Hayley Westenra led the revival with her album
Pure, the top-selling classical album of 2003.
Welsh
baritone Bryn Terfel had the second-biggest seller in
a year which saw classical sales top £65 million
8% up on 2002.
The
annual figures were released by the British Phonographic
Industry (BPI).
They
show that young stars like Hayley have increased the appeal
of classical music, along with the increasing number of
chill-out style compilations.
Half
of the top 10 are compilations, with titles such as Smooth
Classics Do Not Disturb. Andrea Bocelli and Aled Jones
also feature in the top 10.
Hayley
recorded Pure when she was just 15 and is being tipped
as one of the great classical music stars.
The
New Zealander was talent spotted in a school production
when she was just six.
Released
in September, her album went double platinum in just three
months and has sold close to 600,000 copies in the UK.
The
growing appeal of classical music amongst a new and younger
audience is reflected in the success of radio station
Classic FM, which now has over 6 million listeners.
BPI
chairman Peter Jamieson said: In 2003 the classical record
industry bounced back with a whole range of exciting artists
and innovative compilations which brought classical music
to new audiences.
Top
20 Classical Albums 2004:
1
Pure Hayley Westenra
2
Bryn Bryn Terfel
3
The Number One Classical Album 2003 Various
4
Viaggio Italiano Andrea Bocelli
5
Smooth Classics Do Not Disturb Various
6
The Very Best of Relaxing Classics Various
7
Classical Chillout Gold Various
8
The Very Best of Classical Chillout Gold Various
9
Higher Aled Jones
10
The Opera Band Amici Forever
©
Thomas Crosbie Media, 2004.
Link
advised by Roger Mansbridge
|
'Chilled'
classics spark hot sales streak
7th
March 2004 - 7:36am (UK)