1997

In what was a very strong year for dance music, with Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers being shortlisted, Roni Size / Reprazent upset the odds and scooped the Prize for his highly acclaimed 'New Forms' album - the Bristol based collective were on hand to deliver a blistering performance of 'Heroes'. Other great performances on the night came from Suede with a beautiful rendition of 'By The Sea' and Beth Orton, the queen of the heartbreak vocal, with 'She Cries Your Name' from her breakthrough album 'Trailer Park'. Also honoured on a typically eclectic shortlist were two contrasting classical albums: Mark Antony Tunrnage's 'Your Rockaby' and John Tavener's 'Svyati', a work that featured world renowned cellist Steven Isserlis who gave a stunning performance at the awards show.