Our most internationally renowned Quebec conductor can now boast of being the recipient of a Grammy award.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin won his very first career golden gramophone on Sunday at the followingnoon gala of the musical festival par excellence in the United States.
Just recovered from a COVID-19 infection, he learned of his victory by watching the event live, at his home in Montreal, “with my lover Pierre and my cats”, he confided in a message audio transmitted to Journal.
Even if he might not attend the gala, Yannick Nézet-Séguin was nonetheless very moved, he who had been nominated without winning three times in the past.
“It means a lot to me to have a Grammy. Usually, I don’t particularly care regarding awards, but a Grammy is important, “said the one who was in the running in other categories, which he did not win.
In Memory Of Florence Price
The director of the Orchester Métropolitain was all the happier that he won for a project that was particularly close to his heart, the album Price : Symphonies Nos. 1 et 3. crowned best orchestral performance of the year.
He conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra there in an interpretation of two of the four symphonies by the African-American composer Florence Price, who died in 1953.
“Being a black woman at the beginning of the 20th century was a handicap for her. I wanted to finally give her back something that should have happened to her a long time ago, that is to say to be considered among the great composers of this world. This Grammy is hers. »
Quebec shines
This is the second consecutive year that Quebec shines at the Grammys. In 2021, Montreal producer Kaytranada distinguished himself by winning the two Grammys reserved for dance / electronic artists.
In the past, Quebec artists Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen and Arcade Fire have been acclaimed.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin says he hopes his victory and his career will serve as an inspiration to young musicians.
“Music is needed more and more in our world which is experiencing so much trauma, so much pain. Music can bring peace, hope and be a vehicle to correct certain inequalities. »
