Anne-Sophie Mutter wins major award

The Japan Art Association (JAA) has announced the recipients of the 2019 Praemium Imperiale Awards, with German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter amongst them.

Mutter was recognised in the music category, with JAA stating in its citation: “She commands a large and varied repertoire that often features works written for her by major contemporary composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Sofia Gubaidulina…her musical skills and subtle, unique vibrato technique are beyond question.”

The award is one of a growing number on Mutter’s mantelpiece; to date she has won four Grammys, the Polar Music Prize, the Commandeur de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize. For the Praemium Imperiale Awards she collects JPN15m (€126,000).

Another prominent figure from the classical world, William Kentridge, picked up the prize in the painting section. Known for his distinctive set designs, he has also directed a number of opera productions.

Four other figures from the arts were also recognised: Mona Hatoum (sculpture), Bandō Tamasaburō (theatre/film) and the husband and wife duo of Todd Williams and Billie Tsien (architecture).

In addition to the individual awards, JAA announced its JPN5m Young Artists grant will go to Démos, the musical education programme created by Philharmonie de Paris.

praemiumimperiale.org