2026 Grammy Awards Nominations Announced for Classical Music

Los Angeles, California – The Recording Academy unveiled the nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, showcasing an impressive lineup in the classical music category.

Recognized across several divisions, the nominees represent a diverse array of talent, including conductor Andris Nelsons with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed violinist Yuja Wang. The awards will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with a live broadcast on CBS.

The Best Orchestral Performance category features notable nominations such as Coleridge-Taylor’s works conducted by Michael Repper and Messiaen‘s ‘Turangalîla-Symphonie’ led by Andris Nelsons. Every conductor and orchestra involved in these performances are recognized within this prestigious award.

In the Best Opera Recording category, works by composers like Heggie and Huang Ruo are nominated, with esteemed conductors such as Kwamé Ryan and Carolyn Kuan leading high-caliber ensembles. This year, the nominations highlight principal soloists like Jamie Barton and Janai Brugger from the Houston Grand Opera.

Chamber music has not been overlooked, with Best Chamber Music nominations including ‘Land of Winter’ by Alarm Will Sound and ‘Slavic Sessions’ featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nelsons. Each small ensemble performance captures the innovation and artistry prevalent in today’s classical music scene.

Solo instrumentalist nominations feature prominent artists such as Yo-Yo Ma for Shostakovich‘s Cello Concertos. Ma, along with Yuja Wang, continues to influence classical music, demonstrating the blend of tradition with contemporary influence.

The awards ceremony will also recognize exceptional recordings by engineers and producers, ensuring that those behind the scenes are acknowledged for their contributions to music. The winners in these esteemed categories will be announced at the ceremony in Los Angeles.