A YORK student is set to experience the glamour of the world’s most prestigious music awards ceremony after seeing her album nominated for a gong.

In the same week that she is due to finish her PhD, Anna Maria Friman, 36, will jet off to Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards with her two fellow band members to learn if they have scooped one of the coveted gongs.

The group, Trio Medieval, have been nominated for their fourth album, Folk Songs, in the Best Chamber Music Performance category.

The ceremony takes place on February 8 and the three singers will spend the evening rubbing shoulders with fellow nominees and pop luminaries such as Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, Paul McCartney and Beyoncé, Kanye West, Radiohead and Bruce Springsteen.

A thrilled Miss Friman said: “Finding out that Folk Songs had been nominated for a Grammy award was a huge surprise, as we did not even know it was under consideration.

“We are now looking forward to going to LA and experiencing the Grammy event.

She said: “My PhD relates very closely to my work as a professional musician and they have influenced each other in a very positive way.

“My experiences as a performer have helped me better understand the material I am researching and brought me into contact with many people who have contributed to my academic work.”

Originally from Gothenburg in Sweden, Miss Friman has dedicated much of the last eight years to the University of York’s department of music, teaching singing and coaching vocal ensembles in addition to her research and performance commitments.

Trio Mediæval formed 11 years ago and comprises Anna, Linn Andrea Fuglseth and Torunn Østrem Ossum. Their repertoire includes medieval music from England and France, contemporary works and Norwegian medieval ballads and songs.

The University of York has had a significant influence on the work of Trio Medieval. The group’s first three albums were produced by Dr John Potter, a member of staff in the department of music, and its recordings have previously featured the work of York graduates Ivan Moody and Sungji Hong.