Yale School of Music Announces 2025 Sanford Medal Winners

Toby and Itzhak Perlman, plus guitarist Benjamin Verdery, have been given the school's highest honor

The Sandford Medal is the highest honor given by the Yale School of Music, and has been given since 1973 in recognition of a high level of service to music and music education. The prize is named for the pianist Samuel Simons Sanford, who was on the music faculty at Yale between 1894 and 1910.

In 2025, the medal was given to Itzhak and Toby Perlman, and guitarist/composer Benjamin Verdery.

The Perlmans have been honored primarily for their work with the Perlman Music Program (PMP), which they have been running together since 1994. PMP offers young musicians the opportunity to travel and train in their craft, all while receiving valuable mentorship. The program has a particular focus on fostering a non-judgemental environment where young musicians are encouraged to take risks and try new ideas.

Guitarist Benjamin Verdery first joined the Yale faculty in 1985 and has been honored with the Sanford medal in celebration of his four decades of service. During his tenure, Verdery has greatly expanded the scope of the classical guitar program at the school and has spearheaded the commissioning of new works, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community events such as the biennial Guitar Extravaganza.

Previous winners of the Sanford Medal include Emanuel Ax, Pierre Boulez, Aaron Copland, Yo-Yo Ma, and Willie Ruff.

"Toby Perlman [has] a quiet yet powerful brilliance," said Dean José García-León. "A gifted musician and teacher...she has helped create a community in which young musicians not only refine their technique and artistry, but also find purpose, confidence, and belonging. The Perlmans have shown us that music is not only about performance, it is about connection, about teaching, about lifting others up, about passing the torch."

"Like his riveting performances, every casual conversation with Ben [Verdery] brings the possibility of unexpected revelation," said Deputy Dean Paul Berry. "Alongside effortless technical mastery, his students learn to cultivate within themselves the curious minds and open hearts that define the true creative artist."