UCLA Music School Faculty and Graduates Dominate 2026 Grammy Nominations
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is buzzing with excitement as its faculty and alumni have been recognized with multiple nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional talent and contributions of the school's community to the music industry.
One of the notable nominations is for Erik Madrid, a faculty member in the music industry. Madrid served as the recording engineer for an album that received nominations in two categories: Best R&B Album for Ledisi's "The Crown" and Best Traditional R&B Performance for her song "Love You Too." This achievement showcases Madrid's expertise and his role in shaping the sound of contemporary R&B music.
Este Haim, an ethnomusicology alumna, was also honored with a nomination. Her album, "I Quit," was recognized in the Best Rock Album category. Haim's work demonstrates the school's commitment to fostering diverse musical talents and exploring various genres.
The opera world is also represented in these nominations. Two alumni, Jake Heggie and Brian Vu, were nominated for their contributions to opera recordings. Heggie's opera "Intelligence," performed by the Houston Grand Opera, and Vu's role as the featured tenor soloist in "Huang Ruo: An American Soldier," recorded by the American Composers Orchestra, showcase the school's impact on classical music.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, a renowned orchestra, received nominations in three categories: Best Choral Performance and Best Classical Compendium for Gabriela Ortiz's "Yanga," and Best Classical Composition for Ortiz's "Dzonot." The nominations celebrate the orchestra's exceptional performances and the artistic vision of its members, including faculty members Boris Allakhverdyan, Chris Hanulik, Ben Hong, Varty Manouelian, James Miller, and alumnus David Riccobono.
These nominations are a testament to the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in various musical disciplines. The school's faculty and alumni continue to make significant contributions to the music industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.
