Brussels Philharmonic and jazz legend Bill Frisell have been nominated for a Grammy Award! The album Orchestras (Live), conducted by Alexander Hanson and released on the iconic Blue Note label, received a nomination in the category Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

“The idea is that we’re always going to be on the edge of what we know, or hopefully off the edge of what we know, into some sort of uncharted territory. We were still playing whatever comes into our imagination.” - Bill Frisell

For the double LP Orchestras, Bill Frisell’s trio—featuring bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston—joined forces with Brussels Philharmonic for one album and the Umbria Jazz Orchestra for the other. The synergy between Brussels Philharmonic and Frisell’s unmistakable sound, enhanced by Michael Gibbs’ masterful arrangements, creates a rich, intimate soundscape that transcends genres.

The New York Times hailed the album upon its release, praising Gibbs’ arrangements as “rich yet spacious,” providing the perfect backdrop for Frisell’s trio to effortlessly blend with Brussels Philharmonic.

This Grammy nomination celebrates not just the album itself but also the broader collaboration that brought it to life. The Jazz Meets Symphonic series, a project by Brussels Philharmonic, Muziekcentrum De Bijloke, and Flagey, has been uniting jazz legends with the symphony orchestra annually since 2016. It perfectly aligns with Brussels Philharmonic’s mission to explore diverse musical genres and continually expand its artistic horizons.

Grammy nominations for Belgian artists are rare, highlighting the exceptional quality and international relevance of their work. This first-ever nomination for Brussels Philharmonic underscores its global significance and solidifies its status as a cultural ambassador.

The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on February 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. Explore the full list of nominees here.