It has been announced today that superstar German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter has been awarded the 2019 Swedish Polar Music Prize – in international recognition of her significant excellence in the field of music.
Presented annually since 1989 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music to a contemporary musician and a classical musician, Anne-Sophie will receive 1M Swedish Krona (US $110,000).
This prize was this year also awarded to American hip-hop recording artist DJ Grandmaster Flash – and the Playing for Change Foundation music in schools project.
“We are delighted to honour three Laureates this year – only the second time we’ve done so in our 28 year history … ” Polar Music Prize Managing Director Marie Ledin has said.
“In Grandmaster Flash, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Playing For Change, we have three spectacular Laureates … we are all looking forward to welcoming them to Stockholm and paying tribute to their work and talent at the award ceremony on 11 June,’ she has said.
“It is a huge honour to be in this illustrious group of musicians who have received the Polar Music Prize … I’m deeply honoured and humbled,” Anne-Sophie has said.
Previous recipients include: Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, Kronos Quartet, Steve Reich, Valery Gergiev, Gyorgy Ligeti, Issac Stern, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Bjork, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Metallica, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
