Every year, the Gramophone Classical Music Awards celebrate an artist at the height of his or her powers. For a number of years now we've opened the decision up to you, the Gramophone readers - offering you a shortlist of 10 artists to choose from, musicians who our editorial team really feel have contributed something special to classical music throughout the past year.

Previous winners have included such illustrious, energising and remarkable performers as conductor Gustavo Dudamel (last year's winner), mezzo Joyce DiDonato, the choir The Sixteen (our first ensemble winner) and violinist Hilary Hahn. Who will receive the accolade this year? Check back on September 27 to find out!

Below are this year’s nominees from which readers selected our Artist for 2012 - clicking each name takes you through to a page where you can learn more about each artist, including listening to music and watching videos.

Stéphane Denève (conductor)
Natalie Dessay (soprano)
Daniel Barenboim (pianist and conductor)
Joseph Calleja (tenor)
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (pianist)
Isabelle Faust (violinist)
Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor)
Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano)
Andris Nelsons (conductor)
Andreas Staier (fortepianist)

Voting closed on August 27.

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