It is the first time the award has been bestowed, recognising the German violinist’s long career
The 27th Enescu Festival took place from 24 August until 21 September, and featured a concert on 18 September by German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter with the Orchestre National de France, conducted by the festival’s artistic director Cristian Măcelaru. At the performance, she was awarded the festival’s first ever award for excellence in recognition of her 50-year career, presented by Măcelaru and executive director Cristina Uruc. The trophy was created by artist Mihai Băncilă.
Mutter’s debut recording of Mozart violin concertos with Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic was released in 1978, and she has since won four Grammies and nine Echo Classic awards, as well as prizes such as the Grand Prix du Disque, the International Phono Award, the Record Academy Prize, and the German Recording Award. She has also given the world premieres of 32 works by composers including John Williams, Krzysztof Penderecki, Sofia Gubaidulina, Thomas Adès, and Henri Dutilleux.
Mutter has long used her platform to support causes, offering scholarships and support through the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. Other awards she has received include the Grand Staufer Medal in Gold, the German Grand Order of Merit, the Bavarian Order of Merit, the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, and the French Medal of the Legion of Honour.
The Enescu Festival shared the news of the inaugural award in a post on social media: ‘We celebrate her extraordinary artistry and the inspiration she continues to bring to audiences around the world.’
Mutter has expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the award:
‘From a very early age I understood music – obviously – is more than just notes. Music is nothing without the audience, you know: we play for you. I felt and still feel very close to you as a people.
‘To be acknowledged in recognition of my almost 50-year journey in music in this way by such a prestigious and visionary institution is both humbling and profoundly moving. My heartfelt thanks to the Festival’s leadership and the jury for this exceptional honour.’
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