Mahan Esfahani has been shortlisted for three Gramophone Awards for 2015 - a truly remarkable achievement. Nominated for a second year running in both the Artist of the Year and the Baroque Instrumental categories, he has also been shortlisted for the Instrumental award for his Wigmore Live album, which features works by William Byrd, J.S. Bach and Ligeti and which has “firmly established himself as one of today’s most thrilling harpsichordists” (Gramophone).
Having won the Baroque Instrumental award last year for his recording on the Hyperion label of CPE Bach’s Württemberg Sonatas, this second nomination comes for his two-disc recording on the same label of Rameau’s Pièces de Clavecin, an album which has been described as “a masterclass for the instrument, confirming this young artist as a truly great player” (Diapason).
All three of the above albums were Editor’s Choice in Gramophone.
Closely following him, David Hill receives nominations for two discs released with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The first, which includes Howell’s Te Deum and Stabat Mater, is nominated in the Choral category and also features The Bach Choir for whom he is Music Director. Originally Editor’s Choice when released, Gramophone describes it as “a very moving performance” full of “compelling life and forward momentum”.
Hill is also nominated for David Matthews’ Vespers in the Contemporary category, which includes mezzo-soprano Katie Bray as soloist.
Elsewhere in the Contemporary category, Katalin Karolyi (Gwendolen) and Benjamin Bevan (Lane/Merriman) feature in the BCMG recording of Gerald Barry’s The Importance of Being Earnest, whilst Harrison Birtwistle’s recent chamber music is nominated for the performances on ECM by Adrian Brendel and friends.
In the Opera category René Pape lines up as Gurnemanz in an all-star cast of Parsifal from the Metropolitan Opera, New York.
To view the full list of awards and nominations please click here.
