‘Intelligence’ Wins Best Opera Recording at the Grammys • February 2026
Composer Jake Heggie’s opera Intelligence took home a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. Based on the little-known true story of two women who infiltrated the Confederate White House and ran a Union spy ring during the American Civil War, the live recording was captured during the world-premiere run and features the original cast, led by Jamie Barton, Janai Brugger, and J’Nai Bridges.
This marks Barton’s first Grammy Award following previous nominations for her solo album All Who Wander and Hasse’s Marc' Antonio E Cleopatra, and Houston Grand Opera’s first nomination and win in 30 years. Conductor Kwamé Ryan accepted the award, making history as the first Black conductor to win a Grammy in this category. Outlets worldwide covered this monumental win.
Houston Chronicle: Houston Grand Opera wins Grammy for recording of "Intelligence"
Houston Pubic Media: HGO wins third Grammy Award, and first since 1989, for ‘Intelligence’
KHOU: Houston Grand Opera Wins GRAMMY for Best Opera Recording
WRAL: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's first Black music director wins Grammy
Houston Press: Houston Grand Opera Wins Another Grammy
WRTI: Classical artists make a statement at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Symphony conductor wins first Grammy in CSO history
WCNC: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's music director wins Grammy
Secret Houston: Houston Grand Opera Records Its Third Grammy – First In Over 35 Years
San Francisco Classical Voice: Heggie's Intelligence Wins Grammy for Best Opera Recording
Indiana Public Media: IU Jacobs School of Music alumni win Grammy awards
Classical Music Magazine: Classical industry recognised at 2026 Grammys
The Irish Times: From rap to opera, Irish talent was celebrated at the 2026 awards ceremony
Trinidad Guardian: Trinidad and Tobago makes mark at the Grammys
San Francisco Chronicle: Grammys double as Super Bowl preview as winners head to Bay Area stages