On June 7, 2024, the European Culture Prize Gala took place at the Luxembourg Philharmonic, where eleven awards were presented to celebrate artistic achievements, initiatives supporting young musicians, and social commitment.
Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili was among the honorees, recognized for her contributions to European culture. Batiashvili, currently the artist-in-residence with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, established the Lisa Batiashvili Foundation in 2021 to aid talented young individuals from Georgia.
“I’m honored to receive this special award,” Batiashvili shared on social media. “The European spirit was truly present in the Luxembourg Philharmonic last night. In my speech, I discussed the young generation of my country who is fighting peacefully and determinedly for the European future of Georgia.”
The Stretton Society was also awarded the European Initiative Prize for its efforts in supporting exceptional musicians, particularly by providing young artists with access to rare and valuable string instruments.
Maximilian von Schierstädt, co-founder of the organization, accepted the award, followed by a performance from Stretton Society beneficiary Benjamin Kruithof. Kruithof, the 2022 winner of the George Enescu International Competition, played an 18th-century Guadagnini cello alongside the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Other recipients of the evening included soprano Fatma Said, tenor Rolando Villazón, conductor Alondra de la Parra, singer Ronan Keating, television presenter Frank Elstner, actress Ornella Muti, and former Luxembourg prime minister and EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
The next awards gala is scheduled for May 9, 2025, in Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025.
