Viadrina awards Krzysztof Penderecki

Krzysztof Penderecki was awarded “Viadrina Prize 2011” from European University Viadrina in Frankfurt upon Oder. The Viadrina Prize has been awarded for 12 years in recognition of services to Polish-German dialogue and work for reconciliation of the two nations.
The Chapter of the European University Viadrina Foundation in Frankfurt upon Oder recognized that the outstanding Polish conductor, composer and musician merits this distinction for his services to music, understanding between and reconciliation of the two countries. Through his cooperation with many German choirs, broadcasting stations and orchestras, he has for many years debunked myths and broken down the walls separating the Polish and German nations.
The Viadrina Prize has been awarded annually since 1999. Past laureates include translators of Polish literature in Germany, columnists, and Nobel Prize winners. Adam Krzemiński, Adam Michnik, and Tadeusz Mazowiecki were honoured from Poland. It is for the first time that an eminent and internationally renowned composer and conductor rather than a politician, writer or journalist, was honoured with the Viadrina Prize.
The Viadrina Prize will be officially awarded to Krzysztof Penderecki in February 2012.