Recipients of the 2025 Kaiser Otto Prize announced

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Violinist Lisa Batiashvili and pianist Igor Levit have been announced as recipients of the 2025 Kaiser Otto Prize of the city of Madgeburg, Germany. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the award, which is given every two years to recipients promoting the European idea and democratic values.

The musicians have been recognised for their long-standing commitment to fighting war and promoting peace - evidently in Batiashvili’s performance in Munch’s Odeonsplatz on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, and Levit speaking out against emerging anti-Semitism.

Batiashvili and Levit will receive their awards from the mayor of Magdeburg, Simone Borris, on 2 July 2025 at a ceremony in Magdeburg Cathedral.

’They give a voice to people who cannot speak for themselves or who are not heard sufficiently,’ said Borris on the musicians.

The honours are awarded by a prize committee, chaired by Borris and comprising appointed public figures from society, art and culture, science and teaching and politics.

The Kaiser Otto Prize is considered the highest and most important award of Madgeburg. The honorary award is presented in the form of a medal, designed by Bernd Göbel.

Recognising German national and international personalities who have made contributions promoting and preserving European values of peace, understanding and mutual respect, previous winners include former federal president Richard von Weizsäcker, former chancellor Angela Merkel and Slovakian president, Zuzana Čaputová.

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