International Classical Music Awards Gala Concert Broadcast by Deutsche Welle

The International Classical Music Awards (ICMA) gala concert, a highlight of the classical music calendar, was broadcast live by Deutsche Welle (DW) on March 19, 2025. The event, held at the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf, Germany, showcased the talents of the 2025 ICMA winners, accompanied by the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra. The broadcast allowed a global audience to witness the prestigious award ceremony and enjoy performances by some of the world's leading classical musicians.

A Celebration of Excellence

The ICMA awards recognize outstanding achievements in classical music across various categories. This year's winners were selected from a nomination list of 374 releases, artists, and labels, representing the breadth and depth of the classical music world. The awards aim to honor both established figures and emerging talents, promoting excellence and innovation in the field.

Among the notable winners of the 2025 ICMA awards were violinist Gidon Kremer, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and conductor Leonardo García Alarcón, named Artist of the Year. Cellist Benjamin Kruithof was recognized as Young Artist of the Year, while pianist Can Saraç received the Discovery Award. Other winners included composer Christoph Ehrenfellner (Composer Award) and BR Klassik (Label of the Year). Special Achievement Awards were granted to conductor Adam Fischer, pianist Oliver Triendl, and the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra.

A Night of Musical Performances

The gala concert featured a diverse program of musical works, showcasing the talents of the award winners. The Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Adam Fischer and Vitali Alekseenok, provided accompaniment for many of the performances.

The program included:

• Wolfgang A. Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (Overture), conducted by Adam Fischer
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3, III. Rondo Allegro, performed by pianist Can Cakmur and conducted by Adam Fischer
• Antal Doráti: Piano Concerto, 1st movement, performed by pianist Oliver Triendl and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 2, 1st movement, performed by the Danel Quartet
• Valentyn Silvestrov: Serenade and Viktor Kosenko: Dreams, performed by violinist Gidon Kremer and conducted by Adam Fischer
• David Popper: Hungarian Rhapsody, performed by cellist Ettore Pagano and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Charles Gounod: Je m'efforce en vain de te plaire, from: Le Tribut de Zamora, performed by baritone Jérôme Boutillier and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Georg Friedrich Händel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture, conducted by Leonardo García-Alarcón
• Christoph Ehrenfellner: Wiener Blut 200 (world premiere), conducted by Christoph Ehrenfellner
• Paul Hindemith: The four temperaments. Var. II: Sanguine, performed by pianist Anna Gourari and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Piotr Tchaikovsky: Pezzo capriccioso, performed by cellist Benjamin Kruithof and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Gustav Mahler: Revelge, performed by baritone Samuel Hasselhorn and conducted by Lukasz Borowicz
• Antonio Vivaldi: Stabat Mater (exc.), performed by countertenor Andreas Scholl and conducted by Alessandro Tampieri
• Peteris Vasks: Concerto No. 1 (Tala gaisma, Distant Light, exc.), performed by violinist Stanko Madić and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok
• Piotr Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1, III Allegro con fuoco, performed by pianist Can Saraç and conducted by Vitali Alekseenok

Deutsche Welle's Commitment to Classical Music

Deutsche Welle's broadcast of the ICMA gala concert underscores its commitment to promoting classical music and making it accessible to a global audience. DW offers a variety of classical music programming, including concerts, documentaries, and interviews with leading musicians. These programs are available on DW's television channels, website, and YouTube channel, providing a platform for classical music to reach millions of viewers and listeners around the world. DW's YouTube channel "DW Classical Music" has over 500,000 subscribers and offers a wide array of classical music content.

The Significance of the ICMA Awards

The International Classical Music Awards play a vital role in recognizing and celebrating excellence in the classical music industry. By honoring outstanding artists and productions, the awards help to raise the profile of classical music and inspire future generations of musicians. The ICMA awards also provide a platform for promoting international collaboration and cultural exchange, bringing together musicians and audiences from around the world. Jury President Remy Franck emphasized that the awards were chosen from 374 releases with a wide range of artists and labels. He also stated that the awards enhance reputation and increase personal motivation.

A Resounding Success

The 2025 ICMA gala concert, broadcast by Deutsche Welle, was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and artistry of the award winners to a global audience. The event highlighted the importance of classical music in today's world and Deutsche Welle's ongoing commitment to promoting this art form. The ICMA awards continue to be a significant recognition of excellence, motivating musicians and enriching the cultural landscape.