Osmo Vänskä​’s BIS recording of Sibelius’ First and Fourth Symphonies with the Minnesota Orchestra has won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance.
 
On hearing of the success, Vänskä commented: ​“I am absolutely thrilled that this recording of Sibelius Symphonies 1 and 4 – works so close to my heart — has been honoured with a Grammy Award. I am immensely happy and proud to have been able to achieve this in partnership with my dear and devoted friends at BIS record label and with the remarkable musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. It is the greatest honour to be presented with such a distinctive award by our peers – and I convey my genuine thanks to The Recording Academy for this wonderful recognition.”
 
Since its release in spring 2013 the disc has attracted considerable acclaim. The Telegraph wrote ​“This is a thoroughly compelling account of Sibelius’ enigmatic Fourth Symphony. Vänskä is one of the greatest living Sibelius conductors and knows how to bring out the despair at the heart of this masterpiece”, whilst the Financial Times described the recording as ​“essential listening.” The disc was also a Gramophone Editor’s Choice, with the magazine stating ​“This new disc has set the bar for all to follow and past ones to be measured against.”
 
In celebration of the Award, Vänskä and the Minnesota Orchestra will perform both symphonies in Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall on 27, 28 & 29 March. Vänskä also conducts Sibelius with the San Francisco Symphony in three concerts later this month.