Klassical Kudos

Lots of kudos to go around for Minnesota classical musicians this week.

Jordan Sramek, artistic director of the Rose Ensemble in the Twin Cities, receives the Louis Botto Award at the Chorus America Conference in Atlanta. The award is named for the founder of Chanticleer. It honors an individual whose work "has demonstrated innovative action and entrepreneurial zeal in developing a professional or professional-core choral ensemble." The Rose Ensemble also just got word it will represent the United States at the 9th World Symposium on Choral Music next summer in Argentina. They're one of only 25 groups in the world to be selected.

The League of American Orchestras just annouced the winners of this year's awards for adventurous programming. Among smaller orchestras, first prize goes to the South Dakota Symphony. Among the biggest orchestras, third prize goes to the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. First prize went to the mighty New York Philharmonic, so the SPCO is a David among Goliaths.

Nicholas McGegan spent ten years with the SPCO, and now he can add OBE to his resume too. Nic was been made an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth. The award is 'for services to music overseas'. Catherine Zeta-Jones was also named an OBE, which puts Nic in good company. Tho if he wants to keep up with the Zeta-Joneses, he'll need to marry Michael Douglas, and win a Tony award...