One of classical music’s highest honours, the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, has been awarded to the distinguished Argentinian-born pianist, Martha Argerich. She becomes the 101st recipient since the medal was founded in 1870 in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Beethoven (London’s Philharmonic Society commissioned Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony).

RPS Chairman, John Gilhooly, awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal to Martha Argerich at Wigmore Hall, London. In its citation, the Royal Philharmonic Society says:

“Martha Argerich’s combination of technical mastery and passionate artistry make her one of the most compelling and expressive pianists, and her extraordinary live performances are a musical and intellectual tour de force.

She is a consummate chamber music collaborator. It is this spirit of collaboration that led to the Progetto Martha Argerich at the Lugano International Festival, now in its 15th year, through which she demonstrates her enduring generosity and personal commitment to emerging musicians and by mixing established and up-and-coming artists has created many inspirational chamber music partnerships."

Martha Argerich joins a distinguished list of current RPS Gold Medallists including Janet Baker, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Alfred Brendel, Placido Domingo, Bernard Haitink, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, György Kurtag, Thomas Quasthoff, Simon Rattle, András Schiff, John Tomlinson, Mitsuko Uchida and Antonio Pappano.

► Download the press release

► More about the RPS Gold Medal

5 November 2015

(Photo credit: Clive Barda)