In 2010, the jazz composer Maria Schneider and her orchestra gave a blazing performance at Western Connecticut State University. It was wonderful, overwhelming concert that filled Ives Hall.
So it’ was nice to learn that Schneider has been recognized for branching out into classical music. She won a Grammy this week for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for her album “Winter Morning Walks” and soprano Dawn Upshaw – Schneider’s collaborator on the album _ won for Best Classical Vocal Solo Album.
I have the album. It is a beautiful collection of orchestral settings to poetry. For us Maria Schneider fans, it’s further recognition of how good she is.