Award
Barenboim: 30 years with an orchestra is an era
The conductor Daniel Barenboim becomes an honorary citizen of Berlin. photo
© Soeren Stache/dpa
Berlin honors the conductor Daniel Barenboim as an honorary citizen of the city. The 80-year-old looks back on a fantastic career and thanks him: “It’s an incredible city.”
The 80-year-old also took over the Staatskapelle in 1992 as general music director of the Unter den Linden State Opera. He gave up his musical directorship at the State Opera at the beginning of the year due to health reasons.
Barenboim was born in Argentina as the grandson of Jewish immigrants; the family later moved to Israel. He celebrated musical success as a child. His path later took him to Berlin, where he also co-founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which aims to bring young people from the Middle East together. The Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin also supports musicians.
Barenboim is grateful
He is the 123rd honorary citizen of Berlin. The list also includes former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, the painter Max Liebermann and the actress Marlene Dietrich.
“I am grateful for everything I was able to experience in Berlin,” said Barenboim during the ceremony. “It’s an incredible city” where he is very happy and has felt at home for so many years.
Cornelia Seibeld, President of the Berlin House of Representatives, honored the conductor’s artistic life’s work and social commitment. He has “more than once brought together artists who otherwise would not have met.” He worked with many musicians towards excellence. At the same time, Barenboim stands for cultural participation.
Honorary citizenship is Berlin’s most important award. In agreement with the House of Representatives, the Senate awards honorary citizenship to personalities who have made outstanding contributions to the city.
Berlin’s honorary citizens