Michael Daugherty, professor of music (composition), School of Music, Theatre & Dance; and Joseph Gramley, associate professor of music, SMTD, were honored at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 12. Daugherty received a Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for his work “Tales of Hemingway,” featured on the Naxos album of the same name. The album, composed by Daugherty and recorded by the Nashville Symphony under conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, also won Grammys for Best Classical Compendium and Best Classical Instrumental Solo, the latter honor awarded to cellist Zuill Bailey. As a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, Gramley was part of the winning ensemble that earned a Grammy for Best World Music Album for the album “Sing Me Home.” The album features original and traditional folk tunes interpreted by Silk Road, Yo-Yo Ma and a range of guest artists. Gramley is both percussionist and associate artistic director of Silk Road.
University of Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Eric Mughannem and John Merucci took top honors in the American Culinary Federation’s annual Great Culinary Classic competition, which took place Jan. 28-29 at Lorain County Community College. Merucci was awarded a bronze medal in ice carving, single block and double block. Mughannem took home a silver medal in the pork dish competition. Both chefs received gold medals for their mystery basket entry. Mughannem leads the culinary team and oversees catering at the Michigan Union, while Merucci serves on the Maize and Blue culinary team as the Chef de Cuisine at South Quad.
