The Choral award is given for AAM’s world premiere recording of Jan Ladislav Dussek’s Messe Solemnelle, which was released in October 2020 to critical acclaim. The recording featured an exceptional cast of soloists alongside the Choir and Orchestra of AAM and Richard Egarr.
Gramophone wrote: “Dussek himself could scarcely have hoped for a performance as fine as this one … It’s a fascinating work and an important project, impressively recorded, exquisitely presented and enthusiastically recommended.”
Speaking about the award, Richard Egarr said, “I’m so happy and excited to receive this award. I want to thank everyone at AAM past and present who have worked tirelessly over the last 5 years to make this happen. This is such a special project and I hope that it brings Dussek to the fore and people go and explore his wonderful music. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
AAM Leader Bojan Čičić added, “Richard Egarr discovered this work and put so much energy and scholarship into this recording. This is also the final recording we made with Richard as Music Director, so this award feels like a wonderful farewell. The recording is presented in a deluxe way that helps bring this unknown piece to life, and includes various points of view. It was fantastic to be a part of this project.”
AAM CEO John McMunn said, “Discovery has been a core part of the Academy of Ancient Music’s mission since our debut recording of Thomas Arne’s Eight Overtures in 1973. We are proud to maintain this pioneering spirit today, both on the concert platform and in the studio. Dussek’s Messe Solemnelle is another step along this journey, and we are humbled and gratified that it has been acknowledged by Gramophone with this award.”
AAM received a total of three nominations in the Gramophone Awards this year, with the orchestra’s recent recording of John Eccles’ Semele nominated in the Opera category, and AAM appearing as one of 10 orchestras selected for the prestigious Orchestra of the Year award.
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