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…)

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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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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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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

The European Cultural Awards Gala was presented by Hallmann Holding, the group of companies owned by investor and entrepreneur Klemens Hallmann. “As an Austrian entrepreneur, it is a great pleasure for me to present this extraordinary event in my hometown and to make a contribution to the diversity, preservation and further development of the European cultural landscape”, said Hallmann. (more…)

High-flyer, furor fee, exceptional artist – hardly any attribute is too big to not fit on Ina Regen. The Austrian singer-songwriter will perform at the European Cultural Awards Gala on October 20 at the Vienna State Opera.
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This gala is unique in the world: On October 20, great opera personalities will be on stage, whose extraordinary skills have shaped performances all over the world and also in the Vienna State Opera for decades. Together they will present a unique musical experience on this October evening. Political, social and economic celebrities have confirmed their attendance.
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The Italian actress Sophia Loren will be honored with the European Culture Award for her life’s work on 20 October 2019 at the Vienna State Opera. She is regarded as the ambassador of her Italian homeland, as a cineaste legend. The award honors Sophia Loren’s unique life’s work in international film.
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