Since 1959, the Grammy Awards (presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) have been one of the major events in the global record-industry year; held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the 63rd annual ceremony last night was a typically star-studded affair (albeit without an in-person audience due to coronavirus restrictions), with live performances from artists including Taylor Swift, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Winners in the nine classical categories include Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pacifica Quartet, and the cast of the Metropolitan Opera's Porgy & Bess, led by Eric Owens, Angel Blue, and Latonia Moore.
Best Orchestral Performance
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Gustavo Dudamel, Marta Gardolińska (chorus conductor)
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Opera Recording
Eric Owens (Porgy), Angel Blue (Bess), Latonia Moore (Serena), Golda Schultz (Clara), Denyce Graves (Maria), Frederick Ballentine (Sportin’ Life), Alfred Walker (Crown), Ryan Speedo Green (Jake)
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, David Robertson
Available Format: 3 CDs
Best Choral Performance
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus, JoAnn Falletta
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
Pacifica Quartet, Otis Murphy (saxophone)
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Richard O'Neill (viola), Albany Symphony, David Alan Miller
Available Formats: FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Sarah Brailey (soprano), Dashon Burton (bass-baritone), Experiential Orchestra and Chorus, James Blachly
Available Formats: SACD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Classical Compendium
Sasha Cooke (mezzo), Ryan McKinny (bass-baritone), San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
Nashville Symphony, Giancarlo Guerrero
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Best Engineered Album (Classical)
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 13 'Babi Yar'
David Frost & Charlie Post (engineers), Silas Brown (mastering engineer)
Alexey Tikhomirov (bass), Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Riccardo Muti
Available Formats: Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
