On March 13 of this year, the winners of the Grand Music Prize 2020 were announced at a solemn ceremony at the Latvian National Opera. Two nominees have been awarded for outstanding performance throughout the year this year – pianist Agnese Egliņa, as well as composer and pianist Raimonds Pauls.
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Raimonds Pauls has also received a special public sympathy award, the winner of which was determined by voting in the portal “Delfi”.
Conductor Aivis Greters has also received two awards, being honored in the category “Young Artist of the Year”, but in this year’s special category “For creative, courageous and innovative artistic activity in the conditions of Covid-19 crisis” musically performative adventure “While … in the river”, which took place this summer at the opening of the Cesis Art Festival.
In the category “Concert of the Year”, the best performance was performed by singer Elīna Garanča and pianist Malkolma Martino at Liepāja Concert Hall “Lielais dzintars” and Latgale Embassy “Gors” in Rēzekne, which took place last autumn.
In total, the Grand Music Prize was presented in seven categories. The ceremony honored composer Imants Kalniņš and conductor Aleksandrs Viļumanis for their lifetime contribution.
This year the event took place in accordance with the conditions of the pandemic – without the public. It was broadcast live on Latvian Television Channel 1 and Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika”. The concert was conducted by conductor Ints Teterovskis and LTV journalist Eva Johansone. The awards were presented by doctors, teachers and representatives of various other professions.
Winners of the Grand Music Prize 2020
For a lifetime investment
Composer Imants Kalnins
Conductor Aleksandrs Viļumanis
For outstanding performance all year round
Pianist Agnese Egliņa
Pianist and composer Raimonds Pauls
For outstanding work in the ensemble
Trumpeters Jānis Porietis
For an excellent interpretation
Singer Alexander Antonenko and pianist Reinis Zarins – Music by Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner at the closing concert of “Jurmala Festival” on August 4 in Dzintari Concert Hall
New work of the year
Pēteris Vasks Sixth String Quartet, premiere October 3 in Dzintari Concert Hall – string quartet “Artemis”
The young artist of the year
Conductor Aivis Greters
For creative, bold and innovative artistic activity in the conditions of Covid-19 crisis
Musically performative adventure “While … in the river” July 25 on the bank of the Gauja (organizer – Cēsis Art Festival)
Concert of the year
Concert by singer Elīna Garanča and pianist Malcolm Martino Liepāja Concert Hall “Lielais dzintars” and Latgale Embassy “Gors” in Rēzekne.
Grand Music Prize (LMB) is the highest Latvian state award in music. In 1993, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, at the initiative of the then Minister of Culture Raimonds Pauls, decided to annually honor the most outstanding achievements in the life of our country’s music with a special award. The high prestige of LMB both in the society and in the music community is ensured by the work of a respectable jury, the members of which attend concerts throughout the year and meet monthly in meetings.
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