A COLCHESTER record label which specialises in promoting classical music has scooped a prestigious accolade following a fancy awards bash.

Chandos, based on the Whitehall Industrial Estate in Commerce Way, has been voted Classical Music Record Label of the Year at the annual Gramophone Awards.

The glitzy evening, which took place on Tuesday, is considered to be the classical music equivalent of the film industry’s legendary and historic Oscars events.

Chandos won the top prize for its “dedication to sound quality” and for being “a shining example of exactly what makes recording so special."

Founded by the late Brian Couzens and manager director Ralph Couzens in 1979, Chandos’ first release was Bloch’s Sacred Service.

In 2005, the company, which now has an online shop distributing a plethora of records, also became the first classical label to offer mp3s on its website.

Since launched more than four decades ago, Chandos has established recording partnerships with the likes of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sir Charles Mackerras, Rebecca Evans, Julian Lloyd Webber, Sir Thomas Allen, Alan Opie, Tasmin Little, Bruce Ford, Barry Banks has also worked with the historic label.

To find out more information about Chandos visit chandos.net or head to facebook.com/chandosrecords.