The Juno Awards nominees were released today, and two Calgary acts have made the list. Jan Lisiecki‘s debut, Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 20 and 21, was nominated for the Best Classical Album of the Year with a Large Ensemble or Soloist with Large Ensemble Accompaniment, and Makeshift Innocence‘s Yours To Keep was nominated for the Best Reggae Recording of the Year.
What makes Calgary-born Lisiecki’s nomination really interesting is his age; signed to a label at 15, and nominated for his first Juno at 17. Currently studying at the Glenn Gould School of Music, his second album is expected later this year. He has performed the world over, expertly tinkling the ivories in the hallowed Carnegie Hall, and performing for Queen Elizabeth. He’s been featured a number of times on CBC, including a documentary about his talent. Lisiecki is in some pretty solid company in the nominations, along with albums released by the Edmonton and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.
Makeshift Innocence, comprised of Jesse-James Cameron and Tammy Amstutz, will be going out on tour again this year, beginning in May in the US. Calgary based, they bring Cameron’s time in Jamaica to the frigid north, with a positive, upbeat sound that soothes the snow away.
These two highly diverse acts are perfect examples of the stunning talent and wide range of sounds that emanate from Calgary, and we wish them all the best – congratulations on the nominations!
