The Juno Award nominations were announced Feb. 3, 2009, and two St. Matthew's-trained singers were nominated for awards in the classical music categories.

In the Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral Performance category, Countertenor Daniel Taylor was nominated for The Voice of Bach, his first recording for the Sony label with the Theatre of Early Music.

Ottawa baritone Gerald Finley, who returned from England last year for the Men & Boys' Choirs 50^th anniversary concert, was nominated for his recording of Schumann's Dichterliebe and other pieces for Hyperion.  Daniel Taylor and Gerald Finley both learned to sing in St. Matthew's Boys' choir.

The awards will be presented in Vancouver on March 29.

The Juno website (juno.ca) provides the following information about the nominees:

On his album, The Voice of Bach, Canadian counter tenor Daniel Taylor showcases some of the most famous and best-loved examples of J.S. Bach's superlative writing for the human voice and features Taylor in striking versions of Bach's oratorio arias and cantatas. He has recently turned his attention to conducting the Choir and Orchestra of the Theatre of Early Music, a period-instrument ensemble and professional choir based in Canada.

This Canadian baritone has become one of the leading singers and dramatic interpreters of his generation, with award-winning performances and recordings on CD and DVD and performing at the world's major opera and concert venues. His recent awards include Best Solo Vocal Recording 2008 for his disc, Songs by Samuel Barber, at the Classic FM Gramophone Awards. His CD of Dichterliebe & other Heine Settings by Schumann has achieved international critical success.

Also, nominated was Ottawa soprano Shannon Mercer who is featured on two nominated recordings for the Analekta label. Miss Mercer sang in St. Matthew's 2008 presentation of the Messiah conducted by Stephen Candow.

Marget Brady is a parishioner at St. Matthew's.