KARINE Polwart, the Scottish singer and songwriter, has been named as Folk Singer of the Year.

She was one of the winners of this year's Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Van Morrison presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to musician and producer Dónal Lunny for his contribution to folk music.

The Good Tradition Award went to the Armagh Pipers Club.

The evening included the presentation of the 20th annual BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, an educational contest that exists to discover the next generation of folk acts.

Mera Royle, a harpist from the Isle of Man, was the recipient.

Nick Drake, who died in 1974 at the age of 26, was inducted into the Radio 2 Folk Awards Hall of Fame.

The best duo award went to Chris Stout and Catriona McKay.

www.bbc.co.uk/radio2

A NEW symphonic cinema tribute to Hollywood actor and dancer Gene Kelly is to premiere in Edinburgh and Glasgow on April 13 and 14.

Gene Kelly: A Life in Music premieres 13 April at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and 14 April at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Neil Thomson.

It will combine the music of a live symphony orchestra with clips from some of Kelly’s best-known movies, including Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, Brigadoon, Summer Stock, Les Girls, It’s Always Fair Weather, his joyful dance with Jerry the Mouse (from Tom and Jerry) in Anchors Aweigh, plus rarely-seen numbers from Kelly’s television specials.

It is written and hosted by Patricia Ward Kelly, Gene Kelly’s wife and official biographer.

www.rsno.org.uk

MAXIM Vengerov, as both soloist and conductor, is to be the star of the Usher Hall, in Edinburgh, and the finale of its Sunday Classics season on June 3.

In the first half Vengerov takes on the solo role in Bruch’s violin concerto.

Vengerov returns in the second half to conduct the musicians of the Würth Philharmonic in Shostakovich’s tenth symphony.

The Würth Philharmonic is a newly formed ensemble, founded by philanthropist Reinhold Würth.

The Greek conductor Stamatia Karampini leads the first half of the concert.

www.usherhall.co.uk