Kaiser Otto Prize 2025: Batiashvili and Levit awarded for their courage!

Kaiser Otto Prize 2025: Batiashvili and Levit awarded for their courage!

Magdeburg, Deutschland - On July 2, 2025, the Kaiser Otto Prize was awarded in the impressive backdrop of the Magdeburg Cathedral, the highest award in the city of Magdeburg. This time it was not just a look forward to the honorary award, but two outstanding artists: the best known violinist of her generation, Lisa Batashyhvili , as well as the renowned Pianist Igor Levit . This was the tenth awarding of the prize, which has been awarded every two years to people or institutions since 2005 who are committed to European unification and democratic values.

Lisa Batashvili, born in 1979 in Tbilisa, Georgia, came to Germany at the age of only 11. Since then, she has not only become an excellent reputation musically, but also with her active support of young musicians in Georgia, which she promotes through the Lisa Batashvili Foundation founded in 2021. Especially in times of Ukraine secretary, Batashvili raised her voice, organized benefit concerts and clearly positioned itself against the Russian attack. Igor Levit, who was born in Nischni Novgorod in 1987 and has lived in Germany since 1995, is also not only known for his musical talent. He is emphasized by emphasis on anti -Semitism and right -wing extremism and has spoken out in public for the release of Israeli hostages.

The award and its background

The Mayor of Magdeburg, Simone Borris , emphasized in her speech how important it was that the award winners give a voice for uncomfortable people. In the speech by Jean Asselborn, the former Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, was pleaded for a united Europe and the EU membership of Ukraine. Another highlight of the event was the laudation of Christian Berkel, who praised Batiashvili as an advocate of democracy and human rights.

The choice of the two artists took place from a pool of 12 nominees, which underlines the value of the award. The award winners were honored for their courageous socio -political Engagement and their commitment to war and anti -Semitism, as the Kulturstiftung Kaiser Otto explains. Bernd Göbel, a renowned sculptor and medalist, has been responsible for the design of the medals since the beginning of the award ceremony. These unique pieces show the portraits of the honored on the front and the ruling monogram of Emperor Otto of the Great on the back.

a price with tradition

The Kaiser Otto Prize is awarded jointly by the city of Magdeburg and the Kaiser Oto Culture Foundation and is a sign of tolerance and diversity. Among the previous award winners are prominent personalities such as old Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker and the former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Culture Foundation Emperor Otto emphasizes that this award should be pioneer for European understanding and peaceful coexistence.

This award was not only a solemn occasion, but also a strong sign of cultural and social peace, which is more necessary than ever in difficult times. With their commitment, Lisa Batashvili and Igor Levit set a shining example of how art and music can serve as weapons against the wrong. A nice evening for the lived art and its irresistible influence on a better society!