2022 Sir George Solti Award Announces Winner

Given annually to a promising American conductor 38 years of age or younger, The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, otherwise known as the Sir Georg Solti Fellow, has helped American conductors in the early stages of their careers for over 20 years.

The award provides career guidance, industry connections, and $30,000 for grant recipients to further hone their skills.

Awardees can use the monetary prize in different ways, whether it be for further studies, the study of languages, purchasing of scores, or traveling.

Additionally, with the guidance of the Foundation's Board of Directors, the award winners will get the opportunity to meet many experts and mentors within the industry.

“The Foundation’s mission since Day One has been to identify, support and promote emerging talent," said Foundation Board Chair Penny Van Horn. "We are thrilled to continue to provide the young conductors with the tools needed to further pursue their careers, and further hone their musicianship."

"Of special importance are the industry connections this award provides," she added. "Having kept an eye on his career for several years, we are pleased to announce Earl Lee as this year’s recipient of The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. Congratulations Earl!”

“Despite the pandemic, classical music continues to move forward," said Elizabeth Buccheri, Artistic and Awards Committee Chair. "It has been rewarding to see the continued growth of our awardees and the continuation of new applications by artists we have not had contact with in the past."

Earl Lee is currently the Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This season saw him lead ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, Ann Arbor Symphony, and New York Philharmonic.

He also will appear with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra at Lincoln Center's annual festival, Boston Symphony at the Tanglewood Festival, and with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam as a participant in the Ammodo masterclasses led by Fabio Luisi.

He previously served as Associate Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Resident Conductor of the Toronto Symphony, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Music Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School in cello and the Manhattan School of Music and New England Conservatory in conducting, Lee was the recipient of the 50th Anniversary Heinz Unger Award, a Solti Career assistance Award, and a Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Scholarship by Kurt Masur.