He has the sun in his heart and the audience's sympathy is always on his side: Rolando Villazón is considered by many to be the ideal prototype of a characterful singer-actor who thrives in his roles in the best sense of the word. The star tenor with many talents stands - not least as director of the Salzburg Mozart Week - like no other for music without borders and lives the genre diversity of a cultural concept without elitist arrogance.

The all-rounder has no fear of contact and has many passions: The 52-year-old is a juror, passionate music explainer, medical clown, funny presenter and imaginative director at prominent opera stages. He can also be seen again and again in TV formats that are far from classical. Villazón also makes films himself, reads, writes books and took over the artistic direction of the Mozarteum. After a vocal slump, the star tenor has found his way back to the shine and mellowness of his unique voice. At the European Culture Prize Gala, Villazón, who also feels very comfortable in other musical styles outside of classical music, will be honored for his outstanding musical achievements.