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

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

On July 2, 2025, the Kaiser Otto Prize, the city of Magdeburg's highest honor, was awarded in the impressive setting of Magdeburg Cathedral. This time not just one, but two outstanding artists were able to receive the honorary award: the most famous violinist of her generation, Lisa Batiashvili, as well as the renowned pianist Igor Levit. This was the tenth presentation of the prize, which has been awarded every two years since 2005 to people or institutions that promote European unification and democratic values.

Lisa Batiashvili, born in 1979 in Tbilisi, Georgia, came to Germany when she was only 11 years old. Since then, she has built an excellent reputation not only musically, but also through her active support of young musicians in Georgia, which she founded in 2021Lisa Batiashvili Foundationpromotes. Particularly during the war in Ukraine, Batiashvili raised her voice, organized benefit concerts and took a clear position against the Russian invasion. Igor Levit, who was born in Nizhny Novgorod in 1987 and has lived in Germany since 1995, is also known for more than just his musical talent. He strongly advocates against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism and has publicly spoken out in favor of the release of Israeli hostages.

The award and its background

The mayor of Magdeburg,Simone Borris, emphasized in her speech how important it is that the award winners give a voice to unheard people. The keynote speech by Jean Asselborn, the former Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, called for a united Europe and Ukraine's EU membership. Another highlight of the event was the laudatory speech by Christian Berkel, who praised Batiashvili as a champion of democracy and human rights.

The two artists were chosen from a pool of 12 nominees, which underlines the value of the award. The winners were honored for their courageous socio-political commitment and their commitment to fighting war and anti-Semitism, as the Kaiser Otto Cultural Foundation explains. Bernd Göbel, a renowned sculptor and medalist, has been responsible for the design of the medals since the award ceremonies began. These unique pieces show the portraits of the honorees on the front and the ruler's monogram of Emperor Otto the Great on the back.

A prize with tradition

The Kaiser Otto Prize is awarded jointly by the city of Magdeburg and the Kaiser Otto Cultural Foundation and is a symbol of tolerance and diversity. Previous winners include prominent personalities such as former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker and former Chancellor Angela Merkel.Kaiser Otto Cultural Foundationemphasizes that this award is intended to pave the way for European understanding and peaceful coexistence.

This award was not only a celebratory occasion, but also a strong sign of cultural and social peace, which is needed more than ever, especially in difficult times. With their commitment, Lisa Batiashvili and Igor Levit set a shining example of how art and music can serve as weapons against injustice. A beautiful evening for living art and its irresistible influence on a better society!