Daniel Barenboim Receives Pahl Peace Prize for 2025

Barenboim receives €100,000 and a gold medal in recognition of his work promoting peace with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

Named for its founder, Jochem O. W. Pahl, the Pahl Peace Prize is awarded annually to people who have rendered outstanding services to the preservation of world peace through their special personal commitment. The prize carries a value of €100,000 and a gold medal.

In 2025, the recipient of the Pahl Peace Prize is the Argentinian conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim. In particular, he has been recognized for his work fostering cross-border dialogue between young Arab and Israeli musicians through the creation of his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an enterprise he founded alongside Edward Said in 1999.

The orchestra is made up of an equal number of Israeli and Arab musicians, and they are bolstered by members from Turkey, Iran, and Spain. The group convenes each summer for a series of rehearsals, after which they undertake an international concert tour together.

One of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, Barenboim has held music directorships with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Berlin State Opera, La Scala, and the Staatskapelle Berlin, among others.

He recently became Honorary Chief Conductor of the Berlin Staatsoper following 30 years with the company, and was succeeded by Christian Thielemann.

"The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra may not change the world, but it is a step forward," said Barenboim of his work. "Edward Said and I see our project as an ongoing dialogue, in which the universal, metaphysical language of music is linked to the continuous conversation we engage in with young people – and that young people have among themselves."

"The award recognizes not only his exceptional musical achievements but above all his courageous and visionary commitment to dialogue and understanding," the citation reads. "Daniel Barenboim is a role model, an ambassador of hope, and an inspiring example that music and humanity are inextricably linked."