The Helsinki Chamber Choir, Uusinta Ensemble and conductor Nils Schweckendiek took home the 2024 Grammy award for Best Choral Performance on Sunday February 4 for their album of Kaija Saariaho's choral work, 'Reconnaissance'.
The album features many of Saariaho's best known choral works, including Nuits, adieux (a cappella version), Horloge, Tais-Toi!, Echo!, Tag des Jahrs, Überzeugung, Reconnaissance and Nuits, adieux.
"Working with Kaija Saariaho on her spellbinding and richly meaningful choral works was a significant milestone for the Helsinki Chamber Choir and we are thrilled that her music has resonated so deeply with a wider audience. The sad news of her passing just as we were preparing to release the album gave the project a particular poignance. That our performances should be recognised with a GRAMMY® is a huge honour for everyone involved and our warm thanks go to all those who helped us realise this recording" - conductor Nils Schweckendiek
Robert von Bahr, head of the BIS Records, collected the award at the ceremony.
Stream the album now or get the CD here.