| Wigmore Hall announces major new award |
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A new award "the Wigmore Medal" will be presented to major international artists and significant figures in the classical music world on a regular basis from 2007. Awarded at the discretion of the Director of the Hall, in consultation with Wigmore Hall's Board of Trustees and  key industry leaders, the medal is intended to recognise figures who have made a significant contribution to Wigmore Hall, widely regarded as one of the world's leading chamber music and song recital venues. The first ever Wigmore Medal will be presented to baritone Matthias Goerne on the stage of the Wigmore Hall on Thursday 22nd February 2007. Matthias Goerne has received worldwide praise for his warm, fluid baritone and his profound artistry. Highly respected as a Lieder singer, he is a frequent guest at Wigmore Hall along with other prestigious venues such as New York's Carnegie Hall. Renowned pianists such as Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Leif Ove Andsnes, Alfred Brendel, Christoph Eschenbach and Elisabeth Leonskaja are among his musical partners. The Hall's Director, John Gilhooly, said: "For over a century Wigmore Hall has grown and prospered, thanks to a great number of artists who have performed here and the audiences who have listened to them. Some of these artists, like Matthias Goerne, made their UK debut here, and Wigmore audiences have taken them to their hearts by following their progress and encouraging them along the way. These artists have made their repertoire come alive within these walls, and have helped create extraordinary musical experiences for our audiences here and internationally." A special medal has been commissioned by the Hall, designed and made by British artist and medallist Irene Gunston. Public collections of her celebrated work are held at the British Museum , the Museum of Fine Arts in Malta , and the National Museum of Scotland. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk Photo courtesy of Nick Gutteridge January 2007 |
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