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At a ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 7th, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter received the Atlantic Council’s 2012 Distinguished Artistic Leadership Award for her contributions to world understanding and for her encouragement of top young musical talents through the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation.

The award, representing the Atlantic Council’s highest honour, was presented by conductor-composer Sir André Previn to Ms Mutter, who also performed music by Gershwin, Copland and Brahms before the specially-invited audience, including Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, heads of state, members of Congress, ambassadors, and business leaders at The Ritz Carlton Hotel.  Her fellow recipients of Distinguished Leadership Awards at the event were UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Prince Harry and Unilever CEO Paul Polman.

Receiving the award, Anne-Sophie Mutter said:

“I am delighted and honoured to accept this Award, and celebrate the Council as a continuing force for good in this, its 50th anniversary year.”

Ms Mutter, a Deutsche Grammophon recording artist who last year celebrated 35 years as a performer, is committed to alleviating the medical and social problems of our times and gives regular benefit concerts to this end. In 2008, having received the international Ernst von Siemens Music Prize, she donated half the prize money of €200,000 to the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation, which she founded in 1997 with the aim of supporting promising young musicians around the world.

Frank Briegmann, President Universal Music Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Deutsche Grammophon said:

“Congratulations, Anne-Sophie Mutter, on receiving the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Award!  Her musical interpretations are as sophisticated, charismatic and powerful as the person that she is.  This award recognizes her amongst the most significant leaders of our society – and with every good reason.  She campaigns for art and artists, personally supports young talent, and maintains a global community of fans.  I share my delight with her, wish her continued success, and look forward to our future projects together.”

The 2012 Distinguished Leadership Awards ceremony, considered the premier international event of its kind held in Washington, D.C., marked the 50th anniversary of the Atlantic Council. As a preeminent, non-partisan institution devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation and international security, the Council provides an essential forum for navigating dramatic shifts in economic and political influence and addresses issues as diverse as violent extremism, financial instability, NATO’s future and energy security. The Distinguished Leadership Awards were established in 2005 and past laureates include, from the world of politics, President Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, Colin Powell and Helmut Kohl and, from the world of music, Plácido Domingo, Thomas Hampson, Evgeny Kissin and Bono.