Montreal conductor Yannick Nzet-Sguin wins best orchestral performance Grammy

Montreal conductorYannick Nzet-Sguin picked up his first Grammy forbest orchestral performance during Sunday's non-televised portion of the award show.

Nzet-Sguin conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra and was awarded forhis rendition of thefirst and third symphonies by 20th century African-American composer Florence Priceon the album Price: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3.

While Nzet-Sguin was not there to accept the award in person, the Orchestra posted his reaction on its Twitter account.

"I'm just so thrilled. My first Grammy,"he said.

Nzet-Sguindedicated his award "first and foremost to Florence Price"the first Black female composer tohave hermusic performed by amajor American orchestra.

"Florence Price and all the composers women, men who have been overlooked because of injustice in the world. And it's about time we get them back to the place that they are due to have in our programming," he said.

Nzet-Sguin was also nominated for best opera recording and best classical solo vocal album.

Montreal Mayor Valrie Plante congratulated the conductor on Twitter, saying the Grammy is a well-deserved honour and added that all of Montreal is behind him.