Pires wins empire in Japan
NewsThe 2024 Praemium Imperiale in classical music has been awarded to the Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires, It is worth 15 million yen, or $105,000.
This year’s other category winners are film-maker Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain), architect Shigeru Ban, conceptual artist Sophie Calle and sculptor Doris Salcedo.
The prize has been an annual event for 35 years.
As one of the greatest living pianists, she richly deserves to be recognized. Like most decent human beings who are showered with prizes, she’ll probably donate the money to a good cause. And maybe she’ll re-read Ecclesiastes. Shouldn’t we all?
Well deserved. Congratulations!
Fabulous news !!! Maria Joao Pires has been the greatest inspiration when performing with the Miami Symphony Orchestra last season.