YES, VIRGINIA! There is a Santa
For Your
Grammy® Consideration
- Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording -
ABOUT THE MUSIC
YES, VIRGINIA! THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS, by Vincent Oppido, is a musical setting of the The New York Sun’s editorial response to an 8-year old girls query as to the existence of Santa Claus. As a child, I was enchanted by this beautifully optimistic and loving letter. All those memories came flooding back to me through melody and harmony - and I felt a need to create music that was whimsical and full of wonderment. My hope is that anyone - young or old - will feel the warm presence of the spirit of Santa Claus from my music and the accompanying classic text. I was over the moon when both the London Symphony and Alec Baldwin agreed to be part of this recording. The LSO has recorded some of my favorite soundtrack albums. Alec’s performance of the narration is like a father reading to his child before bed. All in all It makes for a special recording that I feel makes this album appropriate for the BEST CHILDREN'S MUSIC ALBUM category.
Watch behind the scenes
from the recording session:
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Vincent Oppido is a film composer whose music is driven by one guiding principle; every note should serve the story. Drawing on years of experience across every stage of the scoring process, he creates emotionally resonant music that enhances character, deepens narrative and helps filmmakers realize their creative vision. Vincent has built a reputation as a trusted creative partner who brings artistry and reliability to every production.
He recently composed music for various collaborations with Wizards of the Coast for their Magic: The Gathering series, Strixhaven: School of Mages, with more upcoming collaborations. Previously, Vincent composed for properties like Fortnite, the science fiction features Alien Code and Watch the Sky. He has composed additional music for major film, television, and interactive projects including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars: Squadrons, Star Wars: Hunters, and Jedi Temple Challenge.
Also an orchestrator and conductor, Oppido has worked on projects such as the Emmy-winning score to Roku's Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, The Breadwinner, Pixar’s Elio, The Karate Kid: Legends, Nobody 2, Netflix's Obliterated, Fortnite, Cobra Kai, HBO Max's Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, and The Suicide Squad.
In addition to work in film and television, Oppido has received numerous commissions for the concert hall. His most recent work, The Cosmic Perspective, was commissioned and premiered by The United States Air Force Band of the West. Vincent collaborated on this work with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson who composed an original text.
Vincent oppido, composer and producer
Alec Baldwin is the Radio Host of the New York Philharmonic. Since 1980 Baldwin has appeared in numerous productions on stage, in films, and on television. He has received a Tony nomination (A Streetcar Named Desire, 1992) and an Oscar nomination (The Cooler, 2004), and has won three Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and seven consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on NBC’s 30 Rock. His films include The Hunt for Red October, Glengarry Glen Ross, Malice, The Edge, It’s Complicated, Blue Jasmine, Still Alice, Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, and The Boss Baby, among many others. Alec Baldwin earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1994 and has received honorary doctorates from NYU (2010) and the Manhattan School of Music (2012).
He serves on numerous boards related to the arts, the environment, and progressive politics, including the Hamptons International Film Festival and the New York Philharmonic. He is the author of three books: A Promise to Ourselves; his memoir, Nevertheless; and, with Kurt Andersen, You Can’t Spell America Without Me. He is the host of a podcast, Here’s the Thing, for WNYC. Baldwin is married to author and wellness expert Hilaria Thomas Baldwin. They have seven children — Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, Eduardo, María, and Ilaria — as well as his eldest, Ireland Baldwin. From 2016 to 2021 Alec Baldwin hosted ABC’s Match Game, the classic television game show; a portion of his fees were donated to charity through The Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation.
ALEC BALDWIN, NARRATOR
Nadeem Majdalany is a multi award-winning musician, composer, conductor, and songwriter, celebrated for his roles in two consecutive Grammy® award-winning albums: “Mythologies” (Best Classical Solo Vocal Album 2022) and “Sakura” (Best Global Music Album 2023). Acclaimed for his contributions as a musician, engineer, recording engineer, and Featured Artist, he is also known for his contemporary orchestral album "Phoenix of Atlantis" and the fantasy suite for solo cello, "Soliloquy of Eden." From an early age, Nadeem found solace and inspiration in melodies, driving him to pursue his musical dreams with relentless passion. Influenced by a diverse range of music, from classical composers to contemporary pop icons, he has developed a captivating sound that resonates across genres. His ability to master various styles and work in multiple avenues of the music industry has resulted in compositions that feature hidden gems, engaging listeners in unique storytelling journeys.
Throughout his career, Nadeem has collaborated with renowned artists and industry professionals, showcasing his exceptional talent for crafting unforgettable compositions. His keen sense of melody and meticulous attention to detail have produced work that is both emotionally evocative and commercially successful. Specializing in blending different genres and techniques, his deep understanding of music, mathematics, physics, and pop culture allows him to create groundbreaking and innovative pieces. Nadeem's education and personal experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of musical composition. He made his orchestral debut as a conductor for the Athens Symphony Orchestra at a young age and has since composed numerous symphonies, operas, and innovative classical works. His career has expanded to writing pop songs for artists, TV, and film, and he continues to work as a film composer. Open to exploring various musical dynamics and sonic realms, Nadeem's contributions to the music industry extend beyond his personal achievements. He is a respected mentor and collaborator, nurturing emerging talent and elevating the industry as a whole.
nadeem majdalany, co-producer
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Photos from the recording session with The London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios
Vincent Oppido, Conductor
(background collage includes pages from Oppido's sketchbook)