First performed in Los Angeles 10 months ago, "Gospel" is written for three soloists two mezzo-sopranos and a tenor who take the parts of Mary Magdalene, her sister Martha, and their brother Lazarus.

WSJ: John Adams' staged 'Gospel' has NY premiere

As an escape from this frenzied life, Ms. Racette and her partner, mezzo-soprano Beth Clayton, who also has to travel for performances, decided to spend their remaining two months each year in a home in the middle of the desert on the outskirts of Santa Fe.

WSJ: A Diva's Desert Hideaway

British violinist Nicola Benedetti, who will perform at the ceremony on 2 October, is nominated for female artist against trumpeter and two-time winner Alison Balsom and American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.

BBC: Andrea Bocelli to receive Classic Brit honour