The St Louis Symphony, led by SSO’s chief conductor wins Best Orchestral Performance.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor David Robertson was celebrating today after his recording of American composer John Adams’ symphonic work City Noir, was named Best Orchestral Performance at the 57th annual Grammy Awards.

The disc, released by Nonesuch Records and featuring saxophonist Timothy McAllister accompanied by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, was crowned the winner of the top orchestral gong of the awards at a ceremony held earlier today at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

Robertson took time out of rehearsal with the SSO at the Sydney Opera House today, where he is preparing the orchestra for the first installment this Wednesday of their complete cycle of Schumann symphonies, to discuss the win. “The Grammy is a wonderful recognition of the long-term work we’ve done in St Louis and I’m so proud of everyone who was part of this project,” Robertson said. “I couldn’t be happier than to share this honour with all of the musicians.”

Despite being a premiere performance of a new work, Robertson’s award-winning recording beat off stiff competition in the very American-centric category. Of the five nominees for Best Orchestral Performance only one,...