Remy Le Boeuf Wins Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition
Remy Le Boeuf, Chair of Jazz & Commercial Music at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, has won the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for his work with Nordkraft Big Band, featuring vocalist Danielle Wertz.
Le Boeuf’s winning composition, “First Snow,” was recognized by the Recording Academy for its exceptional artistry, originality, and contribution to contemporary jazz. The award highlights his distinctive voice as a composer, arranger, and educator, and underscores Lamont’s growing national and international reputation in jazz and commercial music.
“This award is an incredible honor,” said Le Boeuf. “I’m deeply grateful to Nordkraft Big Band, Danielle Wertz, and everyone who helped bring this music to life. Teaching at Lamont and working with such inspiring students and colleagues is a huge part of my creative journey.”
In his acceptance speech, Le Boeuf started by thanking his twin brother, Pascal Le Boeuf. One year ago, Pascal won the same award for his composition "Strands" with the Akropolis Reed Quintet. The twins grew up making music together and co-lead the jazz quintet Le Boeuf Brothers. "Pascal, we're even now,” he said.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Remy Grammy win,” said Brian Pertl, Director of the Lamont School of Music. “His work exemplifies the creativity, innovation, and excellence we strive to foster at Lamont. This recognition reflects not only Remy’s remarkable artistry, but also the strength of our jazz and commercial music program.”
Le Boeuf is an internationally recognized composer, saxophonist, and bandleader whose music blends jazz traditions with contemporary influences, cinematic textures, and global musical idioms. As Chair of Jazz & Commercial Music at Lamont, he leads curriculum development, mentors student artists, and directs the Lamont Jazz Orchestra, helping prepare the next generation of creative musicians for professional careers.
At the Grammy Awards ceremony, Le Boeuf wore a lapel pin featuring the Newman Rose, a stylized representation of the Rose Window at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, as a personal symbol of his connection to Lamont and the University of Denver.
The Grammy Awards, presented by the Recording Academy of the United States, are among the most prestigious honors in the music industry, recognizing outstanding achievements across genres.
For more information about Remy Le Boeuf and the Lamont School of Music’s Jazz & Commercial Music program, visit lamont.du.edu.
