Superstar german violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter was announced this week as 1 of 3 recipients of the prestigious 2019 Polar Music Prize – in Sweden.
Presented annually since 1989 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and the Stig Anderson Music Foundation to a contemporary and classical musician, Ms. Mutter will receive 1 million Swedish Kronor (US $ 110,000).
american hip hop recording artist Grandmaster Flash and the multimedia music project Play for changes also received this year’s award.
“We are delighted to honor three winners this year – this is only the second time in our 28 year history…†Managing Director of the Polar Music Prize Marie Ledin said.
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of this illustrious group of musicians who have received the Polar Music Prize… I am deeply honored and moved,” said Ms. Mutter.
Previous recipients include: Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, the Kronos Quartet, Steve Reich, Valery Gergiev, Gyorgy Ligeti, Issac Stern, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Bjork, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel , Paul Simon, Metallica, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
The prize has been called the “Nobel Prize for Music†in Sweden.
