The 2025 GRAMMY Awards were filled with excitement and recognition, not only for pop and rock stars but also for classical music. The evening highlighted amazing composers, musicians, and performances, showcasing the ongoing growth and beauty of classical music. Here are some of the top classical winners from the night:

Best Opera Recording
Adriana Mater (Kaija Saariaho)
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor); Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan and Christopher Purves

The GRAMMY for Best Opera Recording went to Adriana Mater by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. This performance featured the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. The opera, which explores powerful themes like motherhood and sacrifice, was praised for its emotional depth and beautiful music. The cast, including Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan, and Christopher Purves, brought Saariaho’s haunting score to life, making this win a big moment for modern opera.

Best Orchestral Performance, Best Contemporary Classical Composition, and Best Classical Compendium
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina
Los Angeles Philharmonic (Gustavo Dudamel, conductor)

The Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, earned three major GRAMMY wins for their performance of Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina. These awards included Best Orchestral Performance, Best Contemporary Classical Composition, and Best Classical Compendium. This work by composer José Luis Ortiz blends Latin American folk music with classical styles. The performance was recognized for its energy and creativity, showing how classical music can evolve while honoring different musical traditions. Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic’s interpretation was praised for its power and precision.

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Beyond the Years – Unpublished Songs of Florence Price
Karen Slack, soprano; Michelle Cann, piano

Soprano Karen Slack won Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for her album Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price. This album features songs by Florence Price, a groundbreaking African American composer whose works had been forgotten for many years. Slack’s beautiful voice helped bring these hidden treasures to light, reminding listeners of Price’s talent and her important place in classical music history. The album blends classical music with African American spirituals and folk songs, offering something truly special.

Click to watch our exclusive interview with Grammy Award Winning Soprano, Karen Slack (May 03, 2021)

Producer of the Year, Classical
Elaine Martone

Elaine Martone took home the GRAMMY for Producer of the Year, Classical. Martone is known for her skill in making classical music recordings sound amazing. She has worked with many talented artists, bringing out the best in their performances. This award recognizes her hard work and dedication to the art of music production, helping to create beautiful and timeless recordings.

Best Music Film: American Symphony
Jon Batiste

American Symphony, a music film by Jon Batiste, won the GRAMMY for Best Music Film. The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of Batiste’s process in creating his symphony, American Symphony, which reflects on American history and culture. Batiste, known for his work as a composer and musician, was praised for his creativity in both the film and the music, offering a unique and personal look at his artistic journey.

Best Engineered Album, Classical
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Resurrexit
Nicholas Phan, Béla Fleck, Mason Bates, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Their work on the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's recording of Bates' composition Resurrexit earned a GRAMMY for Best Engineered Album, Classical. Phan’s powerful vocals, Fleck’s skillful banjo playing, and Bates’ innovative composition brought this project to life, showcasing how classical music continues to merge with new sounds and ideas. This win further highlights the exciting direction in which the genre is heading.

The 2025 GRAMMYs showed that classical music is still alive and full of fresh energy. With new compositions, rediscovered classics, and exciting performances, the night proved that classical music continues to grow and inspire. The future of the genre is in great hands, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.