On December 4, 2009, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Opera Recording for Volpone, a piece commissioned by the Foundation and performed by the organization's nationally renowned Wolf Trap Opera Company.
Unfaithfully based on Ben Jonson's 17th century comedy, this new opera revives the great tradition of comic opera through the eyes and minds of composer John Musto and librettist Mark Campbell. Volpone is the only U.S. opera recording nominated, John Musto is the only American composer in this category, and Volpone is the only 21st-century work represented. Recorded at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Volpone was conceived, written and designed specifically for the intimate 375-seat historic theater. This production represents a truly integrated Wolf Trap effort, featuring cast members from the opera company's 2007 summer residency program, CD booklet design by Foundation staff, and an independent release via the burgeoning Wolf Trap Recordings label. The Best Opera Recording category recognizes the conductor, principal soloists, and album producers. Volpone conductor Sara Jobin gained recognition in 2004 as the first woman to conduct on the main stage subscription series at San Francisco Opera. Principal soloists are baritone Joshua Jeremiah, tenor Jeremy Little, mezzo-soprano Faith Sherman, soprano Anne-Carolyn Bird, tenor Rodell Rosel, baritone Museop Kim, soprano Lisa Hopkins, and tenor Steven Sanders. Recording producer credit goes to Blanton Alspaugh.