Oscar-winning German composer Hans Zimmer was the toast of the classical music crowd on Wednesday (02Oct13) when he walked away with two top trophies at the Classic Brit awards.

Zimmer, who has scored the music for films including Gladiator and The Lion King, was the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, as well as being named Composer of the Year.

Opera icon Luciano Pavarotti was honoured six years after his death in 2007 when he was named recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pianist Daniel Barenboim was awarded the Male Artist of the Year honour, while Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti went home with the Female Artist of the Year prize.

Other winners included violinist Andre Rieu, whose record Magic of the Movies triumphed in the Album of the Year category.

The Classic Brit Awards was hosted by British singer-turned-Tv star Myleene Klass at the Royal Albert Hall in London.