Headed to the Grammys

Shabnam Kalbasi, B.Mu. ’10 and G. Thomas Allen, M.F.A. ’14

G. Thomas Allen, countertenor, performed in UCI Music’s production of Stabat Mater with the UCI Symphony Orchestra in Jan. 2014.

Photo by Tasha Locke

Two UCI Vocal Arts alumni, Shabnam Kalbasi and G. Thomas Allen, can be heard on recordings nominated for awards at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

Kalbasi (B.Mu, ’10) performed as a soloist and with the Los Angeles Master Chorale on “IVES: Complete Symphonies,” nominated for Best Orchestral Performance. Allen (M.F.A., ’14) performed on “Choirmaster” by Ricky Dillard, which has been nominated for Best Gospel Album.

Kalbasi is a SAG-AFTRA and AGMA classical vocalist who has worked with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Santa Fe Opera, and more. She is an award-winning musician who has performed on some of the country’s most prestigious stages, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Allen is a multi-genre singer/songwriter with experience in jazz, blues, Gospel, R&B, opera, and more. In July 2020, he released his self-titled album that hit No. 1 on the iTunes charts for jazz albums. In addition to his work on “Choirmaster,” Allen has taught master classes, guest lectured at the Peabody Conservatory, and presented at the 85th National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Currently, Allen works as a Private Lessons Instructor at Columbia College Chicago.

The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, and will air on CBS at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT.

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