We know Estonia
17.9.2024 | Culture

Arvo Pärt receives the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Gold Medal

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos Birgit Püve

Arvo Pärt receives the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Gold Medal

 

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt has received one of the greatest international accolades in music, the British Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal. Angela Dixon, Director of the Royal Philharmonic Society, presented the medal to the composer at a ceremony at the Arvo Pärt Centre on September 12.

The Royal Philharmonic Society’s medal recognises Arvo Pärt for creating a unique and timeless musical language that transcends countries and genres and has found its way into the hearts of listeners around the world.

In presenting the medal, Angela Dixon said: “Arvo Pärt has shown today’s young composers the weight their voices can carry.” She added that the Royal Philharmonic Society greatly appreciates the spiritual purity of Pärt’s music, which is a continuation of the sacred music tradition. Pärt’s music touches people and resonates across national and cultural boundaries.

“Pärt’s masterful creations contain an extraordinary clarity and beauty that makes us think about the nature and essence of music,” says Dixon.

 

 

On behalf of Arvo Pärt, his son Michael Pärt gave a speech of thanks. “The Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal is more than an award; it is a tribute to the timeless quality of Pärt’s music. It is music that is deeply rooted in tradition while retaining its individuality and uniqueness. My father is very moved and thanks the Royal Philharmonic Society from the bottom of his heart for this great honour and recognition.”

The Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal has been awarded since 1871 and recognises musicians and composers of different nationalities for outstanding musical achievements. The front of the medal depicts composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose Ninth Symphony was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society.

Previous winners include Johannes Brahms, Edward Elgar, Richard Strauss, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jean Sibelius, Sergei Prokofiev, Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein, Olivier Messiaen and Pierre Boulez.

Recent winners include Sofia Gubaidulina, György Kurtág, Jessye Norman, Daniel Barenboim, Janet Baker, Sir Simon Rattle, András Schiff, John Williams and Anne-Sophie Mutter.

 

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Angela Dixon Arvo Pärt Arvo Pärt Centre Classical Music Estonian Composer Gold Medal Award Royal Philharmonic Society

30.5.2025 | Culture

Ride the Currents of Iceland

Ride the Currents of Iceland

Kumu’s Courtyard Festival is back for a second year, this time celebrating the art and culture of Iceland with … Read more

30.5.2025 | Culture

DragonForce and Around The Sun join the Tallinn Rock Festival lineup, and many are Finns

DragonForce and Around The Sun join the Tallinn Rock Festival lineup, and many are Finns

Tallinn Rock Festival has announced additional performers in their lineup: British power metal band DragonForce, and Estonian indie rock … Read more

29.5.2025 | Culture

Tallinn’s Old Town Days Begins in a Week

Tallinn’s Old Town Days Begins in a Week

Tallinn’s Old Town Days celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage, its blend of medieval and modern architecture, and the … Read more

29.5.2025 | History

camera icon7
New Book Published on the History of Noblessner Harbour 

New Book Published on the History of Noblessner Harbour 

Did you know that over a hundred years ago, Noblessner Harbour served as a tsarist submarine shipyard, where the … Read more

28.5.2025 | Culture

A Descent into the Tartu of 1985

A Descent into the Tartu of 1985

Everyone who visits Estonia, and especially Tartu, is enchanted with the architecture, the landscape, the streets, and especially the … Read more

28.5.2025 | Culture

camera icon7
Tommy Cash, nublu and Efterklang will take to the stage at Station Narva

Tommy Cash, nublu and Efterklang will take to the stage at Station Narva

Station Narva, the music and city festival taking place in Narva from 4 to 7 September, has announced its … Read more

27.5.2025 | Culture

Imagine Dragons to Perform in Tallinn

Imagine Dragons to Perform in Tallinn

Hugely popular American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons will have their first concert in Estonia on Tuesday, 3 June at … Read more

27.5.2025 | Culture

Great Painting Saturday in Kadriorg Palace Park

Great Painting Saturday in Kadriorg Palace Park

On Saturday, 31 May, the popular Great Painting Saturday will be held again. This time, the event is connected … Read more