Stockholm: Blackwell, Kidjo and Pärt honored with Polar Music Prize

Stockholm
Blackwell, Kidjo and Pärt honored with Polar Music Prize

The British music producer Chris Blackwell, the multiple Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo from Benin and the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt were honored with the renowned Polar Music Prize in Stockholm.

Kidjo and Blackwell accepted the award from King Carl XVI of Sweden at a ceremony Tuesday night. Gustaf (77) personally. The 87-year-old Pärt was represented by his son Michael Pärt. It was announced at the end of March that the three music greats would receive this year’s award.

Born in London and raised in Jamaica, Blackwell founded the record company Island Records in 1959, building one of the most successful labels in music history and making musicians such as Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Cat Stevens and U2 world-famous.

Singer-songwriter Kidjo is one of Africa’s most successful musicians – she has released 16 albums to date and has been honored with five Grammys for her world music.

Pärt, who had lived in Berlin for almost three decades, was the most played living classical composer on earth between 2010 and 2018, according to the prize jury. He has lived permanently in Estonia since 2010.

Established in 1989 by former Abba manager Stig “Stikkan” Anderson, the Polar Music Prize has long been one of the most prestigious music awards in the world. It honors significant achievements in both popular and classical music each year. Each of this year’s three winners will receive prize money of 600,000 Swedish kronor (almost 53,000 euros).

Last year, US rock legend Iggy Pop (“The Passenger”) and the French ensemble intercontemporain received the Polar Music Prize. Previous winners include other big names in the music world such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Anna Netrebko, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan.

Live broadcast of the award winners

dpa