Yannick Nézet-Séguin Receives the Bruckner Society's Kilenyi Medal of Honor

Nézet-Séguin accepted the medal in a concert at which he led the Philadelphia Orchestra in Bruckner's Symphony No. 7

The Bruckner Society of America first awarded its coveted Kilenyi Medal of Honor in the 1933/34 season. The medal bears a portrait of Bruckner by the sculptor Julio Kilenyi and was first given to Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Serge Koussevitzky, Frederick Stock, and Martin G. Dumler.

The 2024 recipient of the medal is conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The award was presented by Bruckner Society president Dr. Benjamin Korstvedt at a concert in which Nézet-Séguin led the Philadelphia Orchestra in a performance of the composer's Symphony No. 7.

A native of Montreal, Nézet-Séguin has been Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the city's Orchestre Métropolitain since 2000 and is closely associated with its sound. He is also in his twelfth season as Music and Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with his contract extended to 2030.

Formed in 1931, the Bruckner Society of America aimed to increase public interest in the works of both Bruckner and Mahler through lectures, articles, and books — as well as by lobbying various organizations to perform more of Bruckner's music.

 

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"Congratulations to Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on being awarded the Kilenyi Bruckner Medal of Honor by the Bruckner Society!" wrote the Philadelphia Orchestra on social media. "Dr. Benjamin Korstvedt, president of the Bruckner Society of America, presented Yannick with the medal amid a successful weekend of performances of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony."

"This weekend’s concerts, featuring Anton Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony, were a beautiful illustration of Yannick’s extraordinary leadership, showcasing breathtaking performances that resonated deeply with our audience. We look forward to many more musical journeys together under such exceptional guidance."