For her assortment of contemporary classical pieces, The Poetry of Places, Nadia Shpachenko has won a 2021 Grammy Award in the group of Best Classical Compendium.
She received her award at this year's ceremony held Sunday in Downtown Los Angeles. (See link to video of awards ceremony below.)
A CGU Music Department studio professor and faculty member at nearby Cal Poly Pomona, pianist Shpachenko's album brings together classical pieces that were inspired by a particular building or architectural structure.
The album seemed to be nominated within the Producer of the Year, Classical category because of its two producers, Victor and Marina Ledin. Previously Shpachenko was nominated for three Grammys in 2021.
Other nominees within the category included the albums American Originals 1918; Leshnoff: Symphony No. 4 ‘Heichalos,’ Guitar Concerto, Starburst; Meltzer: Songs and Structures; and Saariaho: True Fire, Trans, Ciel d'hiver.
Critics have praised Shpachenko for her sensitive and evocative interpretations on her latest album of works by composers including Hannah Lash and Amy Beth Kirsten, among others. Shpachenko's \”supporting cast of composers and performers,\” writes music critic Anne Goldberg-Baldwin on the new classical music site, I Care Should you Listen, \”enrich The Poetry of Places' diversity and nuance, developing a focused, coherent narrative through which to visit.\”
Shpachenko is really a vocal supporter and advocate with respect to contemporary classical music, and she or he thanked the Recording Academy for recognizing the genre’s importance during her acceptance speech.
“I wish to thank the Academy for being so appreciative of classical new music that's being written now,\” she said. \”I'm so honored to stay in this community. I believe in this passionately. Classical new music is thriving at this time and i am so grateful to become representing our community. – This Grammy is for all new music creators.\”
