German violinist Julia Fischer has been crowned artist of the year at the 2007 Gramophone Awards.

Fischer, 24, regarded as one of the most exciting violinists of her generation, was born in Munich, Germany.

Her triumph over such big-name nominees as Bryn Terfel, Claudio Abbado and Daniel Barenboim underlines the huge pool of young talent currently taking the classical world by storm, the organisers said.

"The vast proliferation of recording labels, with the majors alongside ever-more independents has led to more 'shop windows' for prodigies than ever before," said James Inverne, editor of Gramophone.

Julia Fischer: "I am very happy to receive this award, especially in the UK where I began my career by winning my first competition when I was eleven years old."

He added: "Each label wants its talented young violinist, its brilliant young pianist and so on.

"This award for Julia Fischer points to the fact that this is the most exciting time ever for young classical music stars, who of course bring with them fans of their own generation - not least through the internet."

Music fans in 13 countries took part in the artist of the year vote.

A delighted Fischer, who accepted her award at London's Dorchester Hotel, said: "I am very happy to receive this award, especially in the UK where I began my career by winning my first competition when I was eleven years old.

"I deeply appreciate the belief of everyone who voted for me! I continue my work energized by their support!"

Fischer began learning the violin at the age of just three.

Brazilian pianist Nelson Friere and conductor Riccardo Chailly won the much-coveted record of the year prize for their recording of Brahms' Piano Concertos.

Legendary soprano Montserrat Caballe, who travelled from Spain for the ceremony, was given the lifetime achievement award.

Vasily Petrenko, the chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, was awarded young artist of the year.

His orchestra was given the Classic FM Magazine Award for Audience Innovation for their work in bringing new audiences to classical music, including their "virtual concert" on the internet network Second Life.

Deutsche Grammophon was named label of the year in association with SFH Optical Disc.

The awards were dedicated to the memory of Luciano Pavarotti, who died last month. A moving excerpt of him singing an aria from Verdi's Aida was played at the ceremony.