Grammy nomination for York music student
Posted on 26 January 2009
Anna Maria Friman will join some of the biggest names in music at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles next month as a member of the group Trio Mediæval, whose album Folk Songs has been nominated in the ‘Best Chamber Music Performance’ category.
The ceremony, on 8 February, follows just days after she is due to complete her PhD in Performance in the Department of Music with a performance by Trio Mediæval at the University. Anna has combined her hugely successful career with research into the modern performance of sacred medieval music with particular reference to women’s voices.
She said: "Finding out that Folk Songs had been nominated for a Grammy award was a huge surprise as we did not even know it was under consideration. We are now looking forward to going to LA and experiencing the Grammy event.
"My PhD relates very closely to my work as a professional musician and they have influenced each other in a very positive way. My experiences as a performer have helped me better understand the material I am researching and brought me into contact with many people who have contributed to my academic work."
The University of York has had a significant influence on the work of Trio Mediæval. The group’s first three albums were produced by Dr John Potter, a celebrated singer and member of staff in the Department of Music, and its recordings have previously featured the work of York graduates Ivan Moody and Sungji Hong.
Anna is originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, and now lives in Oslo, Norway. Between 2001 and 2007 she taught singing and coached vocal ensembles at the University of York in addition to her research and performance commitments.
Trio Mediæval formed 11 years ago and comprises Anna, Linn Andrea Fuglseth and Torunn Østrem Ossum. Their repertoire includes medieval music from England and France, contemporary works and Norwegian medieval ballads and songs.
Folk Songs is the fourth album by the group. Trio Mediæval has also performed extensively in Europe and the United States.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The University of York’s Department of Music is recognised as one of the liveliest in the country. It places a strong emphasis on performance and stages an extensive programme of recitals by staff, students and visiting musicians every year.
- Further details of Anna Maria Friman’s career can be found at her website www.annamariafriman.com. The Trio Mediæval website is at www.triomediaeval.no and examples of their music can be heard at www.myspace.com/triomed.
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Interview
Listen to Anna Maria Friman discuss her Grammy nomination