A southwestern Ontario choir is gaining international fame after being nominated for a Grammy Award.
The Elora Festival Singers, a group of over 20 talented vocalists, have been around for over 30 years and have produced more than 20 albums.
But the group's latest album, a compilation of classical works from American composer Eric Whitacre, is one of five nominated for best small ensemble performance.
Being nominated for a Grammy is one thing, but winning it is quite another. The choir says it has some stiff competition, including groups that have been up for the award before.
However, the tight race hasn't dampened the group's excitement. Singer Jordan Stumpf says the nomination was a pleasant surprise. "I was pretty shocked. But if I was being honest, I was pretty proud of the recording."
Conductor Noel Edison says although they're no stranger to nominations, this time is different. "We've been nominated for two Junos before," he says, "but somehow when you are nominated for a Grammy, more people look you up or something."
Edison will get to attend the high-profile ceremony in Los Angeles, where artists like Eminem and Justin Bieber are set to perform.
"It's always nice to be looked over, rather than over looked. So it's real tribute," says Edison.
