Andris Nelsons has been awarded €25,000 by Dresden Music Festival. The prize recognises Nelsons’ teaching work and his promotion of young classical music talent.
The prize was presented as part of a guest performance with Boston Symphony Orchestra at the Dresden Frauenkirche. Dresden Music Festival runs from 5 May to 5 June and includes performances by Hagen Quartet, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and Dresden Philharmonic.
Nelsons has said he will use the money for projects aimed at music education in his native Latvia as well as in Boston and Leipzig, where he heads the local orchestras.
The BSO music director is the 13th person to receive the Dresden Music Festival prize. Previous winners include Simon Rattle, Hillary Hahn and Gustavo Dudamel.