Classical and jazz performances to highlight Grammy week

As part of celebratory GRAMMY® Week events, The Recording Academy® will spotlight the classical and jazz genres. The GRAMMY Salute To Classical MusicSM and GRAMMY Salute To JazzSM events celebrate musical styles and honorees that have made significant contributions to our culture. Each event will feature live performances and a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to accomplished artists in honor of their professional achievements. This year's GRAMMY Salute To Classical honorees are Sir Neville Marriner and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The GRAMMY Salute To Jazz honoree is Blue Note Records. The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

"The Recording Academy is proud to recognize musical excellence that spans all genres of music in 110 GRAMMY categories that represent the diversity and significance that music plays in our lives," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Our 'Salute To' series during GRAMMY Week pays homage and celebrates the work of extraordinary people and organizations that continue to ensure that these genres remain a vital part of our culture."

GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music
The GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music will honor Sir Neville Marriner and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with Music Director Jeffrey Kahane. Starting his career as a violinist, Marriner founded the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in 1958 and has worked with orchestras throughout the world. He became the first Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in 1969 where he developed new works for the orchestra and performed numerous world premieres. Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, led by Kahane, performs a diverse repertoire ranging from baroque to new works, and focuses on cultivating the careers of emerging artists. Committed to bringing classical music to everyone, they have created programs such as Meet the Music, which reaches thousands of elementary students throughout the year.

This event will take place at the renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, from 7 – 10 p.m. with a reception, special presentation and performances by the honorees. The President's Merit Award for outstanding achievement will be presented to these prolific musicians for their significant contributions to classical music and the community at large.

GRAMMY Salute To Jazz
GRAMMY Salute To Jazz will honor Blue Note Records. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion, Blue Note Records is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a record label devoted to cultivating the diverse and dynamic genre of jazz. In its rich and singular history, the label has worked with a wide range of artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Joe Lovano, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver,

and Cassandra Wilson, spanning all forms of jazz from avant-garde and bebop to fusions with blues, folk, and funk. In 2009, Blue Note Records will also recognize the 25th anniversary of the label relaunch under current president Bruce Lundvall, commemorating the celebration with live concerts, festival honors, merchandise and new releases including The Blue Note 7, an all-star band tribute band of jazz luminaries.

The presentation of the President's Merit Award to Blue Note Records will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, from 7 – 10 p.m. (venue to be announced shortly), and will feature a cocktail reception, live performances and appearances by special guest artists, Blue Note Records executives, and the GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.