The international music world will turn its attention to Los Angeles this coming Sunday, February 2, where during the 67th Grammy Awards a special Belgian submission is in the running: Brussels Philharmonic is nominated in the category Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for their collaboration with guitar legend Bill Frisell. Under the direction of conductor Alexander Hanson, the orchestra brought an album full of symphonic jazz that not only impressed the jury, but also embodies a broader artistic mission.
Jazz meets Symphonic: a groundbreaking project
The nomination is the result of the 'Jazz Meets Symphonic' project, an initiative of Brussels Philharmonic, Muziekcentrum De Bijloke and Flagey. Since 2016, this series has invited a jazz icon every year to explore new musical paths together with the symphonic orchestra. The collaboration with Frisell, known for his timeless mix of folk, jazz and avant-garde, fits perfectly with the orchestra's vision of breaking down genre boundaries. "It's all about dialogue," said a spokesperson. "How do jazz and classical enrich each other? We discover that anew each time."
Bill Frisell and the Belgian connection
Frisell's relationship with Belgium goes back decades. For this project, he collaborated with composer Michael Gibbs, a key figure in his career. In the with Lies Steppe, Frisell talks about their friendship and Frisell's fascination with European musical traditions. The nominated album captures that energy. Frisell's minimalist style blends with rich orchestrations, giving tracks like "Sweet Rain" and "Lush Life" a new dimension.
Grammy nominations for Belgian artists are rare. Only 6 others, including Toots Thielemans (1992), Gotye (2013) and Brussels Jazz Orchestra (2014), preceded Brussels Philharmonic. "This is a recognition of our collective craftsmanship," the orchestra responds. "It shows that we count internationally, not just as performers, but as innovators." The nomination also underscores the growing appreciation for cross-genre collaborations. Where jazz and classical once seemed like separate worlds, more and more ensembles are seeking the connection.
Awards ceremony and how to watch live
The Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 in Los Angeles (Europe: Monday, February 3, 02:00–05:30 AM). Brussels Philharmonic shares the nomination with four international albums, but optimism is high.
The Grammies can be followed live at live.grammy.com.
Whether they win or not, Brussels Philharmonic has already made history. This nomination confirms their role as a cultural ambassador and inspires a new generation of musicians to think outside the box. As Frisell himself said: "Music is a language without borders. This project is living proof of that."