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NORMAN, OKLA. – When Christina Giacona, a University of Oklahoma lecturer in the School of Music, was approached by Grammy Award-winning composer Kitt Wakeley to record orchestral parts for Impossible Dream, she immediately recognized it as an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Now, Impossible Dream, an album by Broadway star Aaron Lazar, has been nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the GRAMMYs, set for Feb. 2.

Wakeley, an Edmond-based composer, reached out to Giacona when the project faced time and budget constraints. “Dr. Giacona and OU music alumnus Patrick Conlon are highly respected producers whose work I’ve long admired. I was blessed they agreed to work on the project,” he said. “The reason one of 2024’s biggest albums was able to happen was because of their talent and the access they provided to the world-class musicians we have right here in Oklahoma.”

What began as plans for a string quartet quickly grew into a larger endeavor, encompassing full orchestral and jazz band arrangements. Drawing on a team of local talent from OU, including faculty, alumni and students, Giacona spearheaded the project through an intense two-week recording schedule in May 2024. The orchestral sessions were completed on OU’s Norman campus and surrounding studios, with final touches recorded in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. The nine-song collection features collaborations with some of Broadway’s and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Sting.

The album reflects the exceptional artistry and talent emerging from the University of Oklahoma, Giacona says. And despite the pressures of high-profile deadlines and sleepless nights, she views the effort as immensely rewarding. “I wanted to see if we could do the impossible and show that true art is happening in our state. I think we have achieved that with Impossible Dream. To see it recognized with a Grammy nomination validates the incredible talent we have in Oklahoma.”

For Lazar, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Impossible Dream holds personal significance. The album serves as a platform for him to share messages of hope, perseverance and love. “Aaron is an inspiration,” Giacona said. “To perform at the level he does while living with ALS is incredible. For him, music is healing – it brings him comfort and peace.”

“The project was about leaving something his family would be proud of,” Giacona said. “The album reflects the impossible dreams of everyone involved – from creating world-class recordings in Oklahoma to helping Aaron share his story with the world.”

The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will take place live at the Crypto.comArena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma produces more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, musicals, operas, and dance performances annually. Learn more at ou.edu/finearts.