James Blachly, the music director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, has been nominated for two Grammy awards for his work with the Experiential Orchestra in New York City. The nominations, in the Best Classical Compendium and Best Classical Instrumental Solo categories, recognize Blachly's efforts to bring the music of Julia Perry and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson to greater prominence in the classical music world.

Elevating Underrepresented Composers Through Innovative Programming

Honoring the Legacy of Julia Perry and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson

The album "American Counterpoints," which features the world-premiere recording of Julia Perry's "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," is a testament to Blachly's commitment to championing the work of underrepresented composers. By juxtaposing early and late works by both Perry and Perkinson, and interweaving their compositions with original music by violin soloist Curtis Stewart, Blachly and the Experiential Orchestra have shone a much-needed spotlight on these important figures in American classical music.Blachly's dedication to this project has been unwavering, as he acknowledges the immense effort and collaboration required to bring such a recording to life. "This kind of work takes persistence and collaboration, working with hundreds of different people to bring a recording like this to the world," he said. The nominations serve as a testament to the success of his efforts and a motivator to continue this important work.

Bringing Underrepresented Composers to the Forefront in Johnstown

Blachly's commitment to elevating the music of Perry and Perkinson extends beyond his work with the Experiential Orchestra. As the music director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, he has made it a priority to program their compositions, ensuring that these underrepresented voices are heard by audiences in Johnstown and beyond.In fact, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra was one of the first orchestras in the world to perform Perry's "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was featured in the Grammy-nominated album. Blachly has also led the orchestra in performing the music of both Perry and Perkinson on at least three other occasions during his tenure as music director.Erin Codey, the executive director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, praised Blachly's dedication to musical excellence and innovative programming, stating that his leadership has been "instrumental in elevating our orchestra's artistic achievements." This recognition from the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra underscores the impact Blachly has had in bringing the music of these underrepresented composers to the forefront.

A Continued Commitment to Championing Underrepresented Voices

Blachly's Grammy nominations are a testament to his unwavering commitment to championing the work of underrepresented composers. By shining a light on the music of Julia Perry and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, he is not only honoring their legacies but also inspiring a new generation of musicians and audiences to explore the rich tapestry of American classical music.As Blachly continues to lead the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Experiential Orchestra, his dedication to this important work will undoubtedly continue to bear fruit. The recognition he has received through these Grammy nominations is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his tireless efforts to elevate the voices of those who have long been overlooked in the classical music canon.