harpcolumn

Yolanda Kondonassis nominated for Grammy

November 22, 2019

Yolanda Kondonassis is nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award in the “Best Classical Instrumental Solo” category. Composed by Jennifer Higdon, the harp concerto was recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) under conductor Ward Stare and released as part of their latest album, American Rapture, with Azica Records. The concerto was a consortium commission from six orchestras, including the RPO: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra. Higdon wrote the work specifically for Kondonassis and dedicated it to her.

Other nominations in the “Best Classical Instrumental Solo” category are “The Berlin Recital,” performed by pianist Yuja Wang, violinist Tessa Lark’s recording of Torke’s “Sky, Concerto For Violin” with the Albany Symphony,  “The Orchestral Organ” featuring organist Jan Kraybill, and violinist Nicola Benedetti’s recording of the Marsalis Violin Concerto and Fiddle Dance Suite with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Results will be announced Jan. 26, 2020 at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards.

Subscribe today to read our recent feature article with Kondonassis, “On the Record,” from the September/October issue of Harp Column, or read Alison Young’s review of American Rapture here.

more like this

Harpist Elisa Thorn holds a wreath of red and pink flowers around her head

Thorn nominated for 2026 Western Canadian Music Award

Claudia Lamanna holds her trophy platter standing onstage at the award ceremony with the award presenters

Lamanna receives award recognizing international young musicians

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble members and instructors pictured onstage holding bouquets after the ensemble’s spring 2026 concert

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble receives grant from Genesis Inspiration Foundation

Performers, composer, and producers of Kimiko’s Pearl smile while standing on the orange carpet at the 2026 JUNO Awards Gala

Anraku among four musicians on JUNO Award-winning album

Sunniva Rødland stands in a dark hallway with dramatic blue lighting

Rødland becomes first classical harpist nominated for Spellemann Prize

Étienne Ratthé, Caroline Lizotte, and Caroline Chéhadé hold their trophy at the 2026 Prix Opus Gala

Lizotte receives award for concert of original works

latest

Harp Column placeholder image displaying the text “Job Opening: Belgian National Orchestra Harp Section Leader” with a picture of a harp in the background

Belgian National Orchestra announces harp auditions

Harp Column placeholder image displaying the text “Job Opening: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Principal Harp” with a picture of a harp in the background

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra announces principal harp auditions

Photo of Kari Novilla sitting in front of her harp against a gray backdrop

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra appoints Novilla to one-year position