The 60-year-old's immense success in the world of West End musicals has overshadowed his work as a classical music composer.

Lord Lloyd Webber will receive an award for Outstanding Achievement in Music more than 20 years since he composed his most famous classical work, Requiem Mass.

Written following the death of his father and inspired by the tragic story of a Cambodian orphan, it won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition in 1986 following its premiere in New York.

The composer's other classical compositions include Variations (1977), a cello piece the Phantom of the Opera composer wrote for his brother Julian.

Lord Lloyd Webber said previously: "I am absolutely thrilled that my music is being recognised at this year's Classical Brit Awards and delighted to be receiving the award for an Outstanding Achievement In Music."

Disagreement

Violinist Nigel Kennedy was ousted from tonight's awards after a disagreement with organisers.

The maverick violinist, 51, said event organisers had tried to "dictate" his "musical decisions" and vetoed his plans to play with the Bond string quartet.

Kennedy said he originally planned to perform Mozart or Beethoven but was told by organisers that his performance must last around the same length as a pop song.

The programme will be broadcast on the internet - ClassicalBRITs.co.uk - from 8pm tonight.