Grammys for ensemble-in-residence

eighth blackbird

DePauw University's ensemble-in-residence eighth blackbird won two Grammy Awards Sunday night.

The compact disc "strange imaginary animals" was recognized as "Best Chamber Music Performance," and the recording's producer Judith Sherman was honored as "Best Producer of the Year, Classical."

The group was also nominated for "Best Classical Contemporary Composition."

The album is the ensemble's fourth release. Eighth blackbird plays about 35-40 concerts each year in addition to being the ensemble-in-residence at the University of Richmond, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan and DePauw.

The group -- comprised of Michel J. Maccaferri on clarinets, Matt Albert on violin and viola, Nicholas Photinos on cello, Matthew Duvall on percussion and Lisa Kaplan on piano -- last performed at DePauw on Feb. 2. The ensemble will return April 23-25 as part of the second annual Microfest.