America’s ‘highest civilian honour’ will be presented at The White House next week

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Violinist Itzhak Perlman has been named one of 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, US President Barack Obama has announced.

The award is the USA’s highest civilian honour, ‘presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours’.

In addition to his performing and conducting achievements, Perlman is praised for teaching ‘talented young musicians through the Perlman Music Program’ and for his ‘advocacy and his example’ as 'an important voice on behalf of persons with disabilities'.

Other recipients of this year’s Medals include Stephen Sondheim, Barbara Streisand and Gloria Estefan.

The awards will be presented at the White House, Washington DC on 24 November 2015.

Read: Never practise for more than five hours per day, says violinist Itzhak Perlman