Composer John Williams to receive Classic Brit award

Williams began his career with TV scores for programmes such as Lost in Space

Five-time Oscar-winner John Williams is to be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Classic Brit awards in October.

The Hollywood composer has written scores for films including Jaws, Star Wars, Superman, Schindler's List and War Horse.

With 47 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the second most nominated person after Walt Disney.

Andrea Bocelli and Nicola Benedetti will perform at the event in London.

Nominations will be announced on 6 September at the Savoy hotel while the award ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 October.

Myleene Klass will host the event which will be broadcast on ITV1.

Co-chairman of the Classic Brit awards committee, Dickon Stainer, said: "John Williams has crafted some of the most memorable film scores for over half a century."

Williams, who celebrated his eightieth birthday in February, has - on top of his five Oscars - won four Golden Globes, seven Baftas and 21 Grammy awards.

This year, there will be a new award for classical single of the year, voted for by the public.

The Classic Brit awards, now in its 13th year, broadened its remit last year to include musical theatre and film score composition.

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.

Late composer John Barry, best known for his contributions to the James Bond films, was honoured posthumously with an outstanding contribution to music award.