Fanny Mendelssohn Advancement Award Announced

French-Dutch violist Sào Soulez Larivière received the €10,000 prize for his unique program

French-Dutch violist Sào Soulez Larivière received the €10,000 prize for his unique program.

Given annually, the award is presented to musicians who present an innovative program of repertoire that focuses on a central concept. His program entitled "Impression," was themed around Monet’s painting Impression: Sunrise and features works by Rebecca Clarke, Paul Hindemith and Tōru Takemitsu.

Larivière, now 22, studies at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin with Tabea Zimmermann. He has won prizes at the International Max Rostal Competition, the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition, and the International Johannes Brahms Competition.

"Since both of my parents are art historians, art has always played an important role in my upbringing and shaped me as a musician," said Larivière. "From an early age I’ve been fascinated by finding connections between different art forms. As Paris is my home town, it’s no surprise that I feel a deep connection to the birthplace of Impressionism."