This has never happened before on Lake Zurich: when the European Culture Prize, one of Europe's most important awards, is presented in the Tonhalle Zurich on September 24th, prominent stars from all over Europe will meet on stage for a big gala. The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, conducted by its Music Director Paavo Järvi, won the award and was also the musical host of the evening. Actor legend Mario Adorf will be honored on this evening. Actress Iris Berben will travel to Zurich to present the award personally to her friends and colleagues. Star violinist Nigel Kennedy, bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, cellist Sol Gabetta and soprano Camilla Nylund, actor and environmental activist Hannes Jaenicke and the Swiss musician duo Yello also receive awards.

The ranks of the laudators are also prominent this year: In addition to Iris Berben, moderator Max Moor, SFR director Nathalie Wappler, fair fashion ambassador Barbara Meier, the director of the Berlin State Opera Matthias Schulz and the director of the Züricher have all confirmed Opera House, Andreas Homoki. Artist Niclas Castello and his wife Sylvie Meis, rock singer Bob Geldof, the band Die Toten Hosen, screen legend Claudia Cardinale and actress Maria Furtwängler are also expected on the red carpet. The gala will be moderated by the Swiss TV presenter Sandra Studer and the German culture columnist Axel Brüggemann.