Minnesota Orchestra nominated for Gramophone

The Minnesota Orchestra has been nominated for a Gramophone Award for its recording of Beethoven's 2nd and 7th symphonies. The CD was recorded at Orchestra Hall and released on the BIS label in 2008.

To win on Oct. 2, the MO must beat out a Budapest band's version of Mahler's Fourth and the Liverpool Philharmonic's recording of Tchaikovsky's "Manfred" in the "orchestral" category. While music director Osmo Vänskä took home two Gramophones in the 1990s with the Lahti Symphony, this is the MO's first nomination for the prestigious, Brit-based prize. For the short list (which doubles as a great record-buying guide), go to www.classicfm.co.uk and search for Gramophone. Pianist Stephen Hough, who will play with the Minnesota Orchestra in its two opening weekends starting Sept. 24, won a Gramophone in 2002.