Oscar-winning composer John Williams was the big winner at the Classical Brit Awards in London on Tuesday night (02Oct12), taking home a lifetime achievement honour and one of the evening's most sought-after prizes.

Williams, the man behind the iconic Jaws and Star Wars film scores, walked away with the Best Composer title, along with a special trophy in recognition of his stellar career, at the event which celebrates the best in classical music.

A surprise attendee at the ceremony was acting legend Sir Anthony Hopkins, whose classical composition appeared on the Album of the Year, And The Waltz Goes On, by violinist Andre Rieu.

Talking about his work appearing as the title track on the winning record, Hopkins says, "It's a dream come true for me. I'd always admired Andre. He's a superb musician, a terrific showman and a wonderful violinist."

The prize for Best Male Artist went to Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko, while violinist Nicola Benedetti was named Best Female Artist.

British Tv conductor Gareth Malone and The Military Wives picked up the first ever Classic Brits Single of the Year award for their Christmas hit Wherever You Are, and tenor Andrea Bocelli was presented with the International Artist award.

The prizegiving, hosted by classically trained musician and Tv presenter Myleene Klass, was due to be attended by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, but the British royal was forced to pull out of the event after falling ill with sinusitis.