Violinist Lisa Batiashvili Wins European Culture Prize for 2024

Batiashvili was among eleven winners, including soprano Fatma Said and tenor Rolando Villazón

Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili has been honored, among ten others, with the European Culture Prize for 2024. The prizes were established in 2011 and are hosted in the European Capital of Culture for that year — with Luxembourg playing host in 2024.

The ceremony was held in the Philharmonie Luxembourg, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Ducal Couple Henri and Teresa of Luxembourg.

Violinist Lisa Batiashvili was honored for her service to culture in Europe. She is presently Artist-in-Residence at the Berliner Philharmoniker, with whom she recently performed Brahms’ Violin Concerto at the annual Europakonzert, under the baton of Daniel Harding.

Batiashvili records exclusively for Deutsche Grammophon, and her most recent album Secret Love Letters was released in August 2022, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra. It also includes a performance of the Franck Sonata with Giorgi Gigashvili.

Two classical singers were also honored at the awards ceremony: soprano Fatma Said and tenor Rolando Villazón. Non-classical award-winners included television presenter Frank Elstner, actress Ornella Muti, former Prime Minister Jean-Claude Junckers, and singer Ronan Keating.

"What a night in such wonderful company at the European Culture Prize 2024!" Batiashvili wrote on social media. "[I am] honored to receive this special award. European spirit was truly present in the Philharmonie Luxembourg last night."

"In my speech I talked about the young generation of my country who is fighting peacefully and determined for the European future of Georgia."