Ensemble intercontemporain Wins 2022 Polar Music Prize

First given to Paul McCartney in 1992, the 2022 Polar Music Prize was given to Ensemble intercontemporain and punk star Iggy Pop, who will both receive prize money of one million Swedish Kroner (USD $110,600).

Founded in 1976 by the late French composer Pierre Boulez — who received the prize in 1996 — Ensemble intercontemporain is under the artistic guidance of its musical director Matthias Pintscher. The group is comprised of 31 soloists who share a passion for 20^th-21^st century music and collaborate on projects that combine music, dance, theatre, film, video and visual arts.

Resident of the Cité de la musique of Philharmonie de Paris, they also champion music education, presenting concerts for kids, creative workshops for students, training programs for future performers, conductors, composers, etc.

"Ensemble intercontemporain are a ground-breaking collective and their work has helped push the boundaries of modern classical music," Polar Music Prize managing director Marie Ledin commented. "We’re thrilled that we can come together to honour and celebrate the important work of both of these Laureates."

“I’m beyond excited to be coming to Stockholm in May to receive the Polar Music Prize in honour of the Ensemble intercontemporain.” said Matthias Pintscher. “The Ensemble intercontemporain consists of 31 soloists. In that sense, we are not really a chamber orchestra, but it’s an ensemble which makes us, in size, the biggest ensemble for contemporary music in the world. It allows us to create a repertoire that is truly unique and really ours – basically tailored to the size and the needs of the ensemble.

“These amazing musicians have such an open mindset and I find that really unique. They have this incredibly high responsibility for not only new work, for every work that we perform. It’s a pleasure to jump into this bubbling pool of creativity every time we get together and explore the works that we are performing.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 24 in Stockholm at the Grand Hotel, and will be broadcast live in Sweden on TV4 at 8pm (CET). It can be viewed throughout Europe via TV4 Play from 5:30pm (CET).