Violinist Julia Fischer Honored for Service to Culture in Bavaria

The German violinist and pianist received the "pro meritis scientiae et litterarum" award

German violinist Julia Fischer was recently honored with the "Pro meritis scientiae et litterarum" award by the state government of Bavaria, in recognition of her lifelong contribution to the arts. Up to eight awards are made each year to artists and scientists, with the aim of celebrating outstanding service.

Fischer received the award from Markus Blume, Bavaria's Minister for the Arts, at a ceremony held on July 17.

Julia Fischer began her violin studies at the age of 3, and had won first prize at the Yehudi Menuhin Competition by the age of 12. She routinely appears alongside top orchestras and conductors, and has most recently completed a season as Artist-in-Residence with the Staatskapelle Dresden.

An avid chamber musician, she regularly appears in the quartet she founded along with Alexander Sitkovetsky, Nils Mönkemeyer, and Benjamin Nyffenegger. She also has an extensive discography on the Decca and Pentatone labels, alongside being the founder of her own label-platform, the JF Club.

She has received a number of other honors, including Germany's prestigious Federal Cross of Merit.

"Thanks to your diversity, virtuosity and verve, you are one of the outstanding violin soloists of our time," said Markus Blume in his citation. "With your great charisma, your strong presence and your radiant sound, you make every one of your performances a very special experience." 

"Your music goes straight to the heart and touches us deeply."