The British musician was honoured for his ‘unceasing dedication to the art of music’

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Steven Isserlis with Massimo de Bellis, general manager, Cremonafiere. Photo: courtesy Cremona Musica

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British cellist Steven Isserlis has received the 2023 Cremona Musica Award. The 64-year-old musician received the honour on the last day of the Cremona Musica exhibition, at the Sala Guarneri on 24 September.

In its citation, the cultural committee of Cremona Musica International Exhibitions praised Isserlis for his ‘sensitive and passionate interpretations, and for his unceasing dedication to the art of music. His discography is an example and a model for many young musicians who are inspired and enlightened by him.’

As well as to Isserlis, awards went to the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, an ensemble made up of children from Asunción, Paraguay, who play instruments made from scrap materials. Guitar maker Amalia Ramirez, musicologist Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger and accordion maker Paolo Soprani also received awards. This year also saw a special prize awarded to piano technician Angelo Fabbrini.

Cremona Musica is held every year in Cremona, the birthplace of Stradivari and an international centre for musical instruments. This year’s event brought together 360 exhibitors from 35 countries, and staged 180 events over the three days of the event. More than 1,000 artists and personalities were involved in concerts, masterclasses and presentations.

 

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