Charlotte NC, February 2, 2026
Kwamé Ryan, the first Black music director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, has made history by winning a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. His victory acknowledges his exceptional conducting of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra in the production of ‘Heggie: Intelligence.’ This momentous occasion marks a significant achievement for the Charlotte Symphony, as it is the first time in its 94-year history that a music director has received a Grammy. Ryan’s achievement not only highlights his talent but also elevates the profile of the entire orchestra.
Charlotte
Charlotte Symphony’s Music Director Kwamé Ryan Achieves Historic Grammy Win
Kwamé Ryan, the esteemed first Black music director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, achieved a significant milestone by winning a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The prestigious award recognizes his work as conductor of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra for the production of “Heggie: Intelligence”. This accomplishment marks the first time in the 94-year history of the Charlotte Symphony that one of its music directors has received a Grammy Award.
Details of the Acclaimed Win
Maestro Ryan’s Grammy victory was announced during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The award was specifically for the Best Opera Recording category, a testament to the artistic excellence of “Heggie: Intelligence”. This opera was composed by Jake Heggie with a libretto by Gene Scheer. The winning recording was captured live during the opera’s world premiere run at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston in the fall of 2023 and was subsequently released in August 2025. The production tells the compelling story of Civil War-era spies, including Mary Jane Bowser, who was born into slavery.
Impact on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Kwamé Ryan’s success brings national recognition to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. He made history in 2023 by becoming the first person of color to lead the Charlotte Symphony as its music director, and he is currently in his second season with the orchestra. His leadership continues to shape the artistic vision and future of the institution.
A Milestone for Houston Grand Opera
For the Houston Grand Opera, this Grammy marks their third win in the Best Opera Recording category in the organization’s history. Their previous Grammy Awards were for “Porgy and Bess” in 1978 and “Nixon in China” in 1989. The Houston Grand Opera expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting the production’s bold creativity and artistic excellence.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards Overview
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025. The ceremony, which featured Trevor Noah as host for his sixth and final consecutive year, saw awards presented in nearly 100 categories. While many awards were distributed during a non-televised premiere ceremony, the main event showcased major wins and performances.
Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with nine nods and was the night’s biggest winner with five awards, making history as the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy Awards history. Bad Bunny made history by winning Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” marking the first time a Spanish-language album received this top honor. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas secured Song of the Year for “Wildflower”.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Grammy Award did Kwamé Ryan win?
Kwamé Ryan won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
When did Kwamé Ryan win his Grammy Award?
Kwamé Ryan won his Grammy Award on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
What was the specific work that Kwamé Ryan won the Grammy for?
Kwamé Ryan won the Grammy for his work as conductor of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra for the production of “Heggie: Intelligence”.
Is Kwamé Ryan the first music director of the Charlotte Symphony to win a Grammy?
Yes, Kwamé Ryan is the first music director in the 94-year history of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra to win a Grammy Award.
When did Kwamé Ryan become the first Black music director of the Charlotte Symphony?
Kwamé Ryan became the first person of color to lead the Charlotte Symphony as its music director in 2023.
Where were the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held?
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards were held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Who composed the opera “Heggie: Intelligence”?
The opera “Heggie: Intelligence” was composed by Jake Heggie, with a libretto by Gene Scheer.
When was the recording of “Heggie: Intelligence” released?
The recording of “Heggie: Intelligence” was released in August 2025.
How many Grammys has the Houston Grand Opera won for Best Opera Recording?
The Houston Grand Opera has won three Grammys for Best Opera Recording, with previous wins in 1978 and 1989.
Key Features of Kwamé Ryan’s Grammy Win
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Kwamé Ryan | Individual |
| Award | Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording | Nationwide |
| Date of Win | Sunday, February 1, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Winning Work | “Heggie: Intelligence” (as conductor of Houston Grand Opera Orchestra) | Nationwide |
| Significance for Charlotte Symphony | First music director in its 94-year history to win a Grammy. First Black music director. | State-level |
| Grammy Awards Location | Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles | Nationwide |
| Houston Grand Opera’s Total Wins (Best Opera Recording) | Three (including this one) | Nationwide |
| “Heggie: Intelligence” Composer | Jake Heggie | Nationwide |
| “Heggie: Intelligence” Librettist | Gene Scheer | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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