The European Cultural Award in Bonn

In 2020 Europe will celebrate the 250th birthday of the famous composer, citizen of Bonn, musician, humanist, visionary and nature lover – Ludwig van Beethoven. To mark this occasion, the European Cultural Awards will be presented on 3 October 2020 in a high-profile cultural awards gala at the Bonn Opera. Great personalities are expected to attend this evening, whose extraordinary skill and commitment will make Ludwig van Beethoven’s legacy accessible to all generations. More

Sophia Loren gets a declaration of love

Thunderstorms of flashlights and “Sophia, Sophia” shouts accompanied the exceptional Italian artist to the Vienna State Opera. With standing ovations, the audience later celebrated Sophia Loren and her life’s work. Her son Carlo Ponti drew the special character of the Loren, whose “legendary status is based not only on talent and professional devotion, but also on deeply human qualities.”
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Gordon Getty honored for his unique cultural commitment

In an emotional laudation, star violinist Daniel Hope honored the American patron of culture and composer Gordon Getty: “Have you ever seen a person cry – because he listened to the music? One of these people, so sensitive, so devoted, so completely dissolved in sound?” His love belongs to classical music and, in addition, he has supported young artists and cultural institutions worldwide for decades. More

European Cultural Award for social commitment

In her laudatory speech, Barbara Meier, wearing a robe by Vivienne Westwood, pays tribute to fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, who has been initiating and supporting a wide variety of activities as an environmental activist for more than 20 years. The Englishwoman has also changed her life – with her numerous actions, with her loyalty to principles, with her fashion.
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Prima Donna honored for great success and big heart

Opera singer Nina Stemme knows the stage of the Vienna Opera very well. She stood on it more than 20 times as Senta in the “Flying Dutchman”. “Her skill, her passion, her talent for a fascinating art form create very special moments”, says the nomination letter of the European Cultural Forum.
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Brilliant orchestral power thanks to a woman

Simone Young, who made her debut at the traditional house in 1993, stood on the conductor’s podium that evening.  A performance that was decisive for her career, said Ioan Holender, who brought her to the State Opera. More

Star of the painting scene is happy about award

At the end of September, the “Oper! Award” which was presented for the first time, was awarded to painter Neo Rauch for his stage design for the Wagner opera Lohengrin in Bayreuth. In Vienna, he has now been presented with the European Cultural Award Taurus for Visual Arts. More

European Cultural Award Ceremony 2020 in Bonn

The Lord Mayor of Bonn, Ashok-Alexander Sridharan, who will host the European Cultural Award in Bonn next year on 3^rd October on the occasion of Beethoven’s 250^th birthday, gave the laudation for the environmental initiative R20 AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT. More

Great honor for chamber singer René Pape

With “Il lacerato spirito” from Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” Bass René Pape showed why he received the European Cultural Award. He wins over critics for the most beautiful reviews, and his performances in Bayreuth never cease to amaze. Hardly anyone thought to recognize him, René Pape changes again – his distinctive voice remains the connecting element. More

Promoting young talent, for Thomas Hampson a matter of the heart

His life’s work is an example of what passion can achieve. His successes around the world have never stopped Thomas Hampson from thinking about the next generation. One example is the “Heidelberger Frühling”, a song academy. Thomas Hampson regularly passes on his experience to young singers, training them above all in the often-neglected cultural asset song. More