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P R E S S R E L E A S E

Sanford Sylvan, and professor at McGill University nominated for 2008 Grammy Award

For immediate release

Montreal, December 8, 2008 – Sanford Sylvan, baritone and professor of voice at McGill University, has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance for his recording as baritone soloist in Charles Fussell’s work Symphony for Baritone and Orchestra “Wilde”.

Prof. Sanford Sylvan is also a past winner of a Grammy and an Emmy for his portrayal of Chou-En Lai in ’ opera . He has performed with most of the leading orchestras of the world, collaborating with such conductors as Herbert Blomstedt, Pierre Boulez, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Christopher Hogwood, James Levine, Roger Norrington, Simon Rattle and Esa-Pekka Salonen. In opera, he has worked with many directors including , Robert Wilson and Sir Peter Hall. His portrayals of Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro and Alfonso in Così fan tutte have been seen on PBS’ “Great Performances” and are recorded on DVD for Decca. With pianist David Breitman he has performed numerous recitals, and their three recordings for the Nonesuch label (Schubert, Fauré and Barber) have been nominated for the Best Vocal Performance Grammy.

Symphony for Baritone and Orchestra “Wilde” is the result of Fussell’s consideration of Oscar Wilde as a possible opera subject. Filled with complex and dramatic emotional references, it is an extended operatic reflection on writer Oscar Wilde’s tragic life. Fussell’s musical style is rich in extended tonalities and lyrical textures, and the recording is beautifully rendered by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project under the direction of conductor Gil Rose. The recording is available on the BMOP/sound label.

The Grammy Awards are the only peer-presented award to honour artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry without regard to album sales or chart position. The 51st Grammy Awards will be held on February 8, 2009 once again at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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Source: Kate Herzberg, Concerts and Publicity, 514-398-8101 Media: Alain Labonté Communications, 514-523-9922