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Polar Music Talks: Interview with Kronos Quartet and Patti Smith

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Anna Järvinen performs Patti Smith’s Distant Fingers

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First Aid Kit performs Patti Smith’s Dancing Barefoot

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Veronica Maggio performs Patti Smith’s Because The Night

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Ola Salo performs Patti Smith’s People Have The Power

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Trip of a lifetime!
by Wu Man

On August 30, 2011, I was honored to be asked to read the Citation for my fellow musicians and dear friends, the Kronos Quartet, at The Polar Music Prize Ceremony in Stockholm, which was attended by his majesty King Carl XVI, her majesty the Queen, and her royal highness, the crowned Princess and the Prince of Sweden.

The trip was arranged by the Polar Music Prize Foundation, who had paid the utmost attention to every detail organizing the event. I received an extremely detailed itinerary from the Polar Music Prize a month earlier with personalized instructions on the protocol for meeting the royal family and an itinerary for the ceremony.

It was to be a whirlwind three-day trip, beginning with a Business class flight, paid for by the foundation. The flight was 13 hours from California to Stockholm which was very comfortable although lengthy. When I arrived in Stockholm in the early evening, I stepped out of the aircraft and saw two people holding a sign with my name on it and smiling at me right at the aircraft door, where the baby carriages usually are. Without even going through the sky-bridge, I was asked to take the staff door and invited into a limo which was waiting for me at the runway directly next to the airplane –unbelievable! I have only seen this in Hollywood movies for national dignitaries and VIPs. All of the other passengers must have been thinking, “Who is this Asian lady?” I was driven to a building and one of the men said “Please give me your passport, and I will be right back”. He went for 2 minutes and came back with my passport and the customs stamp. We got out the Stockholm airport from a private gate. On the way to the hotel, I couldn’t believe what had just happened, and thought “It is really nice to be a VIP!”

All the guests being honored stayed in the Grand Hotel, a famous historical hotel with 130 years of history and a landmark of Stockholm with lavishly decorated rooms.

The ceremony was held at the Stockholm Concert Hall. Local music groups, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stenhammer Quartet, the Polar Music Prize Band, plus singers were performing for the evening’s ceremony. The ceremony started at 5pm (on time) and was broadcast live on TV throughout the nation. At 4:30pm, the red carpet walk started. I walked with laureates Patti Smith and the Kronos Quartet (I walked behind them with the managers and other honored guests) while a live band played traditional music to accompany us. This made a very nice change… it is usually me playing the music for other people! Walking on the red caret, I felt like a star even though the prize was not given to me. While we were in the green room waiting to enter the hall, a person from the organization said, “Please come and drink with the King, Queen and Princess.” Holy cow! I got to greet the Sweden Royal family even before the ceremony started! That was a huge surprise too.

I sat in the front row with the Kronos Quartet on the left, and the famous Swedish writer of some 40 detective novels, Mr. Henning Mankell, on the other side of me. He was reading the Citation for Patti Smith. The ceremony began at 5pm sharp, around 5:40, my time had come. I waited backstage and was ready for the evening’s host to call my name. After I heard, “Now please welcome the Chinese pipa virtuoso Ms. Wu Man”, I slowly walked to the center of the stage accompanied by music played by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. I felt like a movie star at the Oscar ceremony! In front of the Swedish Royal family and thousands of guests and viewers, I read the citation and my personal words to congratulate the Kronos Quartet. The words came out of my mouth just like what I practiced and better. After the ceremony, many guests came to me to compliment my speech. The Kronos Quartet was extremely happy about my ‘performance’ as well. I didn’t know I had this talent until that night!

After an hour-long award ceremony, we all moved to the Grand Hotel for the banquet. I sat at table # 1. His majesty the King was two people away from me! The King’s table included two members of Kronos, Patti Smith, the Mayor of Stockholm, daughter of Sitg Anderson, wife of the chairman of the board. I had a nice conversation with The King Carl XVI. He was very interested in knowing what the pipa is, and how I can survive and become successful in America as a musician and traditional Chinese instrumentalist. I tried to explain to him what I have been doing in last 20 years, hopefully he understood. I wish I had brought the pipa with me. It would have been so much fun to play for this event and have had the chance to introduce pipa to guests. The food was mostly Swedish traditional cuisine with many type of cheeses and meats. Lots of drinks as well (you bet!). Every time before they would drink, someone would sing a folk song. King Carl XVI looked as though he was having a wonderful time and he is a very nice gentleman! It is a pity that I did not get an opportunity to take a photograph with the royal family. Maybe next time when I perform for them!

The banquet ended around midnight. All the guests have to wait until the Royal family leaves before they can leave. This was explained in the notes I received on the proper protocol. I had also been told that during the dinner you can’t get up and walk around to say hello to friends, or go to bathroom etc. So before the banquet start, people all lined up at the bathroom! After the banquet there was another later night party until 3am in the Opera house. I crashed after the banquet. It had been a long day! Kronos had a fantastic time at the ceremony. They have worked so hard to get to the top. I am so proud of them and so honored to have been able to played a small role in their recognition.

Next morning, the Polar Music Prize arranged a limo to pick me up to take me to the airport. Again, the car took me through the private gate at the Stockholm airport to a private VIP building. I waited at a private VIP lounge room just by myself. I was alone and it was very quiet! When it was close to boarding time, the guy came back with my boarding passes. The limo took me directly to the aircraft, I was the first passenger who got on the airplane from the side gate staffing door. It was the first time in my life that I did not need to go through the security, immigration, and even did not wait at the gate.

I am home now and I feel like it was all a dream! People had told me that the Polar Music Prize is like a Nobel Prize for music. They certainly know how to treat talent! I would love to go back to Sweden and have the opportunity to perform there. I will always treasure the memory of this experience.

The Prize will be handed out to Patti Smith and Kronos Quartet by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Swedish artists such as Veronica Maggio, Ola Salo, Anna Järvinen, Dungen and the Stenhammar Quartet will perform together with The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor will be Hans Ek, musical director is Georg “Jojje” Wadenius.

The hosts for the evening are Petra Nordlund McGahan and Tilde de Paula.

In connection to this year’s festivities the Polar Music Prize have the great pleasure of offering our guests a selection of not-to-be-missed events and exclusive deals.

Polar Music Prize Exhibition

Thursday, 25^th of August – Tuesday 30^th of August
Place: Kungsträdgården, Stockholm
Do not miss the outdoor exhibition with beautiful pictures of previous Polar Music Prize Laureates taken by photographer Baldur Bragason.

Polar Music Talks

Monday 29^th of August, From 14.00
Place: Nalen, Regeringsgatan 74, 111 39 Stockholm

Take the opportunity to listen to this year’s Polar Music Prize laureates being interviewed about their artistry. Note that there will be a limited number of tickets for this event.

Polar Music Talk with Kronos Quartet
Music journalist Camilla Lundberg meets Polar Music Prize Laureate Kronos Quartet.
The talk will be held in English.

Polar Music Talk with Patti Smith
Music journalist Jan Gradvall talks to Polar Music Prize Laureate Patti Smith.
The talk will be held in English.

Polar Music Sessions

Tuesday 30^th of August, 09.00-14.00
Place: Nalen, Regeringsgatan 74, 111 39 Stockholm

The Polar Music Sessions is a knowledge sharing event held in connection to the Polar Music Prize, tapping in to the brilliant minds that attend the awards with the objective to learn more about how music and entertainment is shaping the way we live, work and play.

The Polar Music Sessions offer “jam sessions” with cutting edge topics and international thought
leaders who meet their Swedish peers and exchange ideas and experiences. The topics span over a wide range, such as new opportunities in the music industry to property rights, technical
innovation, and the healing properties of music. We aim to bring together some of the hottest leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and music aficionados.

Note that there will be a limited number of tickets for this event.

Polar Music Prize Concert

Wednesday, 31^st of August
Place: Stockholm Concert Hall, Hötorget 8, 103 87 Stockholm
Time: 19.30

The Polar Music Prize proudly presents a concert with the 2011 Polar Music Prize Laureate Patti Smith and her band. (Sold out.)

For further information, go to www.konserthuset.se
The concert is produced by Polar Music Prize in association with Live Nation.

Book and CD-signing with Polar Music Prize Laureate Patti Smith

Thursday, 1^st of September
Place: NK, Ljusgården
Time: 12.30
Address: NK – Nordiska Kompaniet, Hamngatan 18-20 11147 Stockholm
www.nk.se

Riche’s Polar Music Prize Dinner Party

Tuesday, 30^th of August

DJ’s Sankan & Claes Olson spin classic New York rock and music inspired by this year’s Polar Music Prize Laureates Patti Smith and the Kronos Quartet

The Official Polar Music Prize Afterparty at Café Opera

Tuesday, 30^th of August
Place: Café Opera
Time:  from 21.00
Address: Café Opera, Karl XII:s Torg,  11147 Stockholm
Phone: 08-676 58 07
www.cafeopera.se

Restaurants:

Riche:
Summer dinner offer: 3 courses for 300 sek
Menu Solöga:

Solöga på matjessill
Marinated Baltic herring with egg yolk

Timjan- och vitlöksstekt kalvrostbiff med dillkokta
sommarkantareller och primörer
Veal roast with dillcreamed summer mushrooms

Mjölkchoklad panna cotta med limerörda jordgubbar
Chocolate panna cotta with strawberries

……………………………………………………………………… 300

Menu Skarpö:

Isad gurksoppa med chili, koriander och örtkrutonger
Chilled cucumber soup with chili

Enkelstekt rödingfilé med citron crème och Kalixlöjrom
Char fillet with vendace roe from Kalix

Citron- och vallmokaka med flädergrädde och färska hallon
Lemoncake with poppyseeds, raspberries and elderberry cream

……………………………………………………………………… 350

Adress: Riche, Birger Jarlsgatan 4, Nybroplan
Phone: 08-545 035 60
http://riche.se/riche-bokabord

Caina Restaurant
Enjoy classic Italian dishes and delicacies from various Italian regions, based on superior quality ingredients available in season, with a wine list mainly based on Italian wines.

Exclusively for Polar Music Prize 2011 restaurant Caina offers a special two-course menu for SEK 395. Book directly to the restaurant at info@caina.se and refer to ”Polar Music Prize 2011”.

Menu:

Antipasti
Antipasto of the house (Prosciutto ham Sant’Ilario, Chianti Salami, boar salsiccia, lardo, Buffalo mozzarella and garlic bread)

Primi
Rustichella d’Abruzzo linguine with seafood in a hot sauce of organic tomatoes from Piennolo

Address: Nobis Hotel, Norrmalmstorg 2-4, 111 46 Stockholm
Email: info@caina.se
Phone: +46 (0)8 614 10 30
www.nobishotel.se/caina-en.html

Hotel and Restaurant Skeppsholmen
Hotel Skeppsholmen – Stockholm’s new urban oasis, an inspirational mix of a historic building from 1699 and a modern decoration by award-winning architects Claesson Koivisto Rune. Situated in the very heart of the city centre, on the waterfront and surrounded by beautiful nature and captivating culture, Hotel Skeppsholmen is a place enjoy with all senses. The eco-labeled hotel combines this Swedish historic landmark with the very best of contemporary Swedish cuisine, art, design, fashion and music, proudly partnering with local icon brands such as ACNE and Byredo Parfums.

Exclusively for Polar Music Prize 2011 Hotel Skeppsholmen offers a complimentary dessert when enjoying a two course dinner in our restaurant. Please make our reservations at www.hotelskeppsholmen.com, “Book a table” and refer to ” Polar Music Prize 2011”.

Address: Hotel Skeppsholmen, Gröna gången 1, 111 86 Stockholm
Email: restaurant@hotelskeppsholmen.se
Phone: +46 (0)8 407 23 05
www.hotelskeppsholmen.se

Operakällaren´s Cocktail bar
Enjoy a special two-course menu in Operakällaren’s elegant and cosmopolitan bar while overlooking the amazing view over the Royal Castle and the water. Exclusively for Polar Music Prize 2011 Operakällaren´s Cocktail bar offers a special two-course menu for SEK 350. Book directly to the restaurant on +46 8 676 58 00 refer to” Polar Music Prize 2011”.

Address: Operakällaren, Operahuset, Karl XII:S torg, 111 86 Stockholm
Email: matsal@operakallaren.se
Phone: +46 (0)8 676 58 00
www.operakallaren.se

Hotels:

Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Rich in history and tradition, Grand Hôtel Stockholm dates back more than 130 years and occupies a prime position on the city’s waterfront. A timeless classic, it has played a pivotal role in shaping Stockholm as the cosmopolitan city that it is today. The relationship between Grand Hôtel and Stockholm is one that is symbiotic; both revel in their duality: traditional and forward looking, worldly and innocent.
www.grandhotel.se

Hotel Skeppsholmen
Stay at Hotel Skeppsholmen – Stockholm’s new urban oasis, an inspirational mix of a historic building from 1699 and a modern decoration by award-winning architects Claesson Koivisto Rune. Situated in the very heart of the city centre, on the waterfront and surrounded by beautiful nature and captivating culture, Hotel Skeppsholmen is a place enjoy with all senses. The eco-labeled hotel combines this Swedish historic landmark with the very best of contemporary Swedish cuisine, art, design, fashion and music, proudly partnering with local icon brands such as ACNE and Byredo Parfums.
www.hotelskeppsholmen.se

Nobis Hotel
Welcome to Stockholm’s first contemporary luxury hotel located at prime city location, Norrmalmstorg. Nobis Hotel is a 201 room hotel and features some 800 sqm of public spaces including the Italian Caina restaurant, the buzzing bistro, the glamorous Gold Bar and lounge – Stockholm’s new living room with a ceiling hight of 28 meters.
www.nobishotel.com

Rica Hotel Kungsgatan
The Shopping Hotel in Stockholm.  Located only a few steps away from the Stockholm Concert Hall.

Stay in a department store. Rica Hotel Kungsgatan, the best shopping Hotel in Stockholm, has its own elevator right down to the stores. The Hotel is part of the PUB classic department store on Hötorget city square. Its location, at the corner of two prime shopping streets, Kungsgatan and Drottninggatan, offers you a varied, high-end selection of shopping, restaurants and entertainment, basically just round the corner. Our extensive breakfast buffet, which is included in your room rate, was developed in partnership with the Swedish Culinary Olympic team, and offers huge freedom of choice to compose your own breakfast menu, whether you prioritize a healthy start to your day or want a little luxury.
www.rica-hotels.com

The Polar Music Prize is one of the most prestigious and unique prizes in the world, crossing over musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups and institutions in recognitionof exceptional achievements. The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by a donation by the late Stig Anderson.

Laureates from a wide range of countries, cultures and continents have received the Prize in Stockholm from the hand of His Majesty, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Polar Music Prize, Box 55777, 114 83 Stockholm
www.polarmusicprize.org

August 30 at 0900-14.00. Door opens at 08.15.
Venue: Nalen, Regeringsgatan 74.

At the Polar Music Sessions 2011 we shall expand our focus on the social impact of music and the increasingly blurring lines between culture, medicine, technology, creativity, business and music in all its forms.

The Polar Music Sessions is a knowledge-sharing event held in connection with the Polar Music Prize Awards ceremony. The Sessions aim to tap into the brilliant minds that attend the awards with the objective to learn more about how music and entertainment form the way we live, work and play.

The Polar Music Sessions offer “jam sessions” with cutting edge topics and international thought leaders who meet their Swedish peers and exchange ideas and experiences. The topics span over a wide spectrum, ranging from new opportunities in the music industry to property rights, technical innovations, and the healing properties of music. We aim to bring together some of the hottest leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and music aficionados.

09.00 Introduction – Ola Ahlvarsson, Chairman SIME and Marie Ledin, Managing Director Polar Music Prize

09.10 Sweden – a creative hotbed
A meeting with and tribute to the stars of the mindboggling Swedish songwriter and producer legacy. Where we discuss the ever-evolving rights arena, creativity and how to continue being a growing ground for wonderful music.

Sharon Vaughn, originally from the USA. Now living in Sweden. Praises the songwriting atmosphere in Sweden / Stockholm. Has written songs for everyone from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings to Boyzone and Agnes. Fredrik Thomander, Swedish songwriter and producer. Owner of Epicentre production company since the late 90′s. Has written songs for ‘N Sync, Scorpions, Backyard Babies, Umberto Tozzi and Agnes. Helienne Lindvall
Born in Sweden. Has lived and worked in New York, now resident in London. Songwriter, musician and journalist at The Guardian. Alfons Karabuda, composer for film, radio drama and dance shows. Chairman of SKAP, ECSA and the Polar Music Prize Award Committee.
Stefan Gullberg, music industry veteran with Polygram, MCA and EMI. Currently the Executive Vice President of European A&R and Managing Director, EMI Publishing Scandinavia.

09.30 Female leadership in the music industry – we invite some of the music industry’s guiding stars and reflect on music, gender and what is really important
Stina Westerberg, Statens Musikverk, Rebecka Törnqvist, artist, Jenny Wilson, artist, Kajsa Grytt, artist.

Interview by Petra Markgren Wangler, SVT

10.00 Going social – Tips/Tools/Trade Secrets to connecting in Real Time
Social media opens up a new connected universe where creativity has no boundaries. What opportunities are there for musicians, the music, media and entertainment industries and for everyone who loves music?

Fiona Bloom, The Bloom Effect, Fred Bronson, Billboard journalist, author and industry commentator, Annie Wegelius, Program Director SVT.

10.25 Coffee – tea – you and me

10.45 Powering the entertainment society
The marriage between entertainment and technology creates a new playing field for both business and artists. In this session we will learn from the technology innovators creating the arena. We will also reflect on how a growing number of other industries are embracing music to connect with an increasingly attention starved and music loving consumer and how technology is pushing the boundaries for what is creatively possible

Johnny Kronlund, marketing director HP, Mikael Eriksson Björling, Ericsson Consumer Lab

11.05 Going personal with the Polar Music Prize Lauretates 2011- Kronos Quartet and Patti Smith
We are proud to present two of our most esteemed musical performers in an informal “jam session” where we get behind the scene of success, creativity and talent. And where you, the audience, are invited to participate and share questions insights and topics.

11.30 Healing music
We are delighted to give the stage to some of the world’s most inspiring thinkers in the field of unlocking the healing qualities of music.

Presentation by Töres Theorell, expert in stress and the healing powers of music.

11.50 Performance by Krister Linder
This NY based singer is the Prince of calm, spiritual songs that touches the soul and mind of every listener. Appointed musical voice of the United Nations and winner of the Stockholm international film festival’s price for film music (Metropia).

12.00 Lunch

13.00 The show must go on – Meet the music philanthropists
We all love music but some of us go beyond being a listener and instead help push boundaries, provide financing and support initiatives that would not be possible without their passion and support.

Hans Dalborg Nordea, Niclas Kjellström-Matseke Postkodlotteriet, Elisabeth Ström Vattenfall, Eva Qviberg, Nationalmusei Vänner

13.25 Fireside chat with Sten Nordin, Mayor of Stockholm
We sit down with the Mayor of Stockholm and discuss music in general, his private playlist and how Stockholm can become (remain) an international music hotbed.

13.40 Meet the makers of PressPausePlay – a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world’s most influential creators of the digital era.
The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent of people in an unprecedented way, unleashing unlimited creative opportunities. But does democratized culture mean better art, film, music and literature or is true talent instead flooded and drowned in the vast digital ocean of mass culture?

13.55 wrap-up and closing remarks, Marie Ledin and Ola Ahlvarsson

Admission to Nalen by invitation only.

All sessions moderated by Ola Ahlvarsson, serial entrepreneur, Chairman of SIME and co-founder of the Polar Music Sessions.

Welcome by Lennart Wiklund, chairman of the board Polar Music Prize
Opening address: Alfons Karabuda, chairman of the Prize Committee Polar Music Prize

Meet the Laureates of Polar Music Prize 2011;
14.00-14.35 Kronos Quartet interviewed by Camilla Lundberg

A wonderful interview spanning across the realms of music, creativity, social responsibility and the power of music

14.35-14.45 The audience interacts with the Laureate

Pause 15 minutes

15.00-15.35 Patti Smith interviewed by Jan Gradvall

Sweden’s most renowned music journalist takes us on a journey into the world of one of our most loved artists.

15.35-15.45 The audience interacts with the Laureate

15.45-16.15 Helen Benno leads a fireside chat with Marie Ledin, Anders Anderson, Lasse Anderson and music industry legend Thomas Johansson

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Polar Music Prize, 20 years where fantastic musicians have been celebrated but also 20 years of unparalleled musical creativity, where new artists have changed the landscape and old have proven that quality music is timeless. The Andersson family and the legendary Thomas Johansson reflect on two decades of creating and applauding wonderful music and creating a legacy of phenomenal Laureates.

16.15-16.25 Inauguration of Polar Music Sessions 2011

Ola Ahlvarsson looking in to the music crystal ball

16.25-16.45 Creativity and music, meet the author Henning Mankell, artists Karin Mamma Andersson and Jochum Nordström

How do you use music as an influence in your creative work. Hear world famous Henning Mankell, artists Karin Mamma Andersson and Jochum Nordström tell us how they get into the mood.

16.45-17.10 Fireside chat with Jan Eliasson, former President of the United Nations General Assembly and Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs

We invite our favorite statesman for a fireside chat on music, politics, passion and compassion.

Please apply for invitaton here.

The Polar Music Sessions is a knowledge sharing event held in connection with the Polar Music Prize Awards ceremonies. The Sessions aim to tap into the brilliant minds that attend the awards with the objective to learn more about how music and entertainment form the way we live, work and play.

The Polar Music Sessions offer “jam sessions” with cutting edge topics and international thought leaders who meet their Swedish peers and exchange ideas and experiences. The topics span over a wide spectrum, ranging from new opportunities in the music industry to property rights, technical innovations, and the healing properties of music. We aim to bring together some of the hottest leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and music aficionados.

Please apply for invitation here »

The concert is produced by Polar Music Prize in association with Live Nation.

Swedish:

Polar Music Prize presenterar stolt en konsert med 2011 års Polarpristagare PATTI SMITH med band i Stockholms Konserthus, onsdagen den 31 augusti, kl. 19.30. Besök www.konserthuset.se för mer information och biljetter. Uppdatering: Konserten är slutsåld!

Konserten produceras av Polar Music Prize i samarbete med Live Nation.

Kronos Quartet Citation:
The Polar Music Prize 2011 is being awarded to American string quartet Kronos Quartet. For almost 40 years, the Kronos Quartet has been revolutionizing the potential of the string quartet genre when it comes to both style and content. The same type of chamber music ensemble – two violins, a viola and a cello – for which Mozart and Beethoven wrote can also be used to comment on international politics, interpret avant-garde rock and incorporate music from every corner of the world.

Patti Smith Citation:
The Polar Music Prize 2011 is being awarded to American poet and musician Patti Smith. By devoting her life to art in all its forms, Patti Smith has demonstrated how much rock’n'roll there is in poetry and how much poetry there is in rock’n'roll. Patti Smith is a Rimbaud with Marshall amps. She has transformed the way an entire generation looks, thinks and dreams. With her inimitable soul of an artist, Patti Smith proves over and over again that people have the power.

The Laureates will receive the prize from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a gala ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall to be followed by a celebratory banquet at Grand Hôtel on Tuesday 30th of August. The ceremony will be broadcast live on national television (TV4). Later in the evening, a summary of the ceremony and the banquet will be broadcast. The event attracts international media, members of the international music business, celebrities, artists, musicians, government ministers, politicians and leading members of society and industry.

Each recipient receives a total amount of one million SEK.

The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by the late Stig ”Stikkan” Anderson, a true legend in the history of Swedish popular music. Stig Anderson was the publisher, lyricist and manager of ABBA, and he played a key role in their enormous success. The name of the prize stems from Anderson’s legendary record label, Polar Music.

The Polar Music Prize is an international music prize which is awarded to individuals, groups or institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music.

The Polar Music Prize awards two Laureates in order to celebrate music in all its various forms and to emphasize the original intention of the Polar Music Prize: To break down musical boundaries by bringing together people from all the different worlds of music.

The board of the Polar Music Prize Foundation consists of representatives from the Stig Anderson family, SKAP (The Swedish Society of Popular Music Composers) and STIM (The Swedish Performing Rights Society). The task of scrutinizing nominations submitted and selecting the ultimate Laureates is empowered The Polar Music Award Committee comprising of internationally renowned artists and musicians as well as other key figures in the Swedish music industry.

Today, the Polar Music Prize has become one of the most prestigious music prizes in the world. The list of Laureates speaks for itself:

Sir Paul McCartney, Dizzy Gillespie, Witold Lutoslawski, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Quincy Jones, Mstislav Rostropovich, Sir Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Pierre Boulez, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Ericson, Ray Charles, Ravi Shankar, Iannis Xenakis, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Isaac Stern, Burt Bacharach, Robert Moog,
Karlheinz Stockhausen, Sofia Gubaidulina, Miriam Makeba, Keith Jarrett, B.B. King, György Ligeti, Gilberto Gil, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Valery Gergiev, Led Zeppelin, Sonny Rollins, Steve Reich, Renée Fleming, Pink Floyd, Maestro Abreu & El Sistema, Peter Gabriel, Ennio Morricone and Björk have all been bestowed with the Prize since its inception in 1992. In 1992 the Baltic States were also awarded the Prize to encourage them in their work for protection of copyright.

An announcement video together with publicity photos and this press release are available for downloading on our web site, www.polarmusicprize.org

PREVIOUS LAUREATES

1992 Sir Paul McCartney and the Baltic States
1993 Dizzy Gillespie and Witold Lutoslawski
1994 Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Quincy Jones
1995 Sir Elton John and Mstislav Rostropovich
1996 Pierre Boulez and Joni Mitchell
1997 Eric Ericson and Bruce Springsteen
1998 Ray Charles and Ravi Shankar
1999 Stevie Wonder and Iannis Xenakis
2000 Bob Dylan and Isaac Stern
2001 Burt Bacharach, Robert Moog and Karlheinz Stockhausen
2002 Sofia Gubaidulina and Miriam Makeba
2003 Keith Jarrett
2004 B.B. King and György Ligeti
2005 Gilberto Gil and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
2006 Valery Gergiev and Led Zeppelin
2007 Steve Reich and Sonny Rollins
2008 Renée Fleming and Pink Floyd
2009 José Antonio Abreu & El Sistema and Peter Gabriel
2010 Ennio Morricone and Björk

PATTI SMITH IN CONCERT

The Polar Music Prize proudly presents a concert with the 2011 Polar Music Prize Laureate PATTI SMITH and her band at the Stockholm Concert Hall, Wednesday, August 31st, 7.30 pm. For further information and tickets go to www.konserthuset.se
The concert is produced by Stockholm Concert Hall and Live Nation.

POLAR MUSIC TALKS

Listen to the Polar Music Prize Laureates of 2011 being interviewed about their artistry.
Please note that there will be a limited amount of tickets for this event.

POLAR MUSIC SESSIONS

The Polar Music Sessions is a knowledge sharing event held in connection to the Polar Music Prize, tapping in to the brilliant minds that attend the awards with the objective to learn more about how music and entertainment is shaping the way we live, work and play. The Polar Music Sessions offer “jam sessions” with cutting edge topics and international thought leaders who meet their Swedish peers and exchange ideas and experiences. The topics span over a wide range, such as new opportunities in the music industry to property rights, technical innovation, and the healing properties of music. We aim to bring together some of the hottest leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and music aficionados.

For updates on Polar Music Talks and Polar Music Sessions go to www.polarmusicprize.org

High Resolution Images »
Download English Press Release »
Ladda ner Svensk pressrelease »
Patti Smith Biography »
Kronos Quartet Biography »

Prismotivering för Kronos Quartet:

Polar Music Prize 2011 tilldelas den amerikanska stråkkvartetten Kronos Quartet. I snart 40 år har Kronos Quartet revolutionerat stråkkvartettens möjligheter, både vad det gäller stil och innehåll. Samma strikta kammarmusikaliska ensemble som Mozart och Beethoven skrev för – två violiner, en viola och en cello – kan även användas för att kommentera det världspolitiska läget, tolka avantgardistisk rockmusik och för att inkorporera musik från alla världsdelar.

Prismotivering för Patti Smith:

Polar Music Prize 2011 tilldelas den amerikanska poeten och musikern Patti Smith. Genom att viga sitt liv åt konst i alla dess former har Patti Smith visat hur mycket rock’n’roll det finns i poesi och hur mycket poesi det finns i rock’n’roll. Patti Smith är en Rimbaud med Marshall-förstärkare. Hon har förändrat hur en generation ser ut, tänker och drömmer. Den unika konstnärssjälen Patti Smith visar att people have the power.

H.M. Konungen delar ut priset, som uppgår till 1 miljon svenska kronor till respektive pristagare, tisdagen den 30 augusti i Stockholms Konserthus. Efter prisutdelningen följer en bankett i Vinterträdgården på Grand Hôtel.

För nionde året i rad sänds utdelningen av Polar Music Prize i TV4, liksom förra året i direktsändning från prisceremonin. Senare på kvällen sänds ett sammandrag från ceremoni och bankett.

Polar Music Prize instiftades 1989 av Stig ”Stikkan” Anderson, en legend i den svenska populärmusikens historia. Stig Anderson var förläggare, textförfattare samt manager för ABBA och hade en nyckelroll i bandets fantastiska framgångar. Prisets namn är hämtat från Stig Andersons lika legendariska skivbolag, Polar Music.

Polar Music Prize är ett internationellt musikpris som delas ut till individer, grupper och institutioner som ett bevis på exceptionella bedrifter som utförts inom skapandet och framskridandet av musik.

Polar Music Prize belönar två pristagare för att fira musik i alla dess olika former samt för att betona den ursprungliga intentionen med priset; att bryta ner musikaliska barriärer genom att föra samman människor från olika delar av musikvärlden.

Styrelsen för Polar Music Prize består av representanter från familjen Anderson, SKAP och STIM. Uppgiften att granska priskandidater samt att välja slutgiltiga pristagare tillfaller Prisnämnden för Polar Music Prize. Denna består av internationellt kända artister och musiker samt andra nyckelpersoner inom den svenska musikindustrin.

Polar Music Prize har idag blivit en av de mest prestigefulla musikpriserna i världen och listan av pristagare talar för sig själv:
Sir Paul McCartney, Dizzy Gillespie, Witold Lutoslawski, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Quincy Jones, Mstislav Rostropovich, Sir Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Pierre Boulez, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Ericson, Ray Charles, Ravi Shankar, Iannis Xenakis, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Isaac Stern, Burt Bacharach, Robert Moog, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Sofia Gubaidulina, Miriam Makeba, Keith Jarrett, B.B. King, György Ligeti, Gilberto Gil, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Valery Gergiev, Led Zeppelin, Sonny Rollins, Steve Reich, Renée Fleming, Pink Floyd, Maestro Abreu & El Sistema, Peter Gabriel, Ennio Morricone och Björk har alla tilldelats priset sedan 1992 då det instiftades. 1992 belönades även de baltiska staterna med priset för att uppmuntra dem i sitt arbete med beskyddandet av copyright-rättigheter.

Tillkännagivande inklusive pressbilder, motivering och pressmeddelande, finns tillgängligt på www.polarmusicprize.org . Eventuella frågor besvaras av presskoordinatorer Tanja Määttä, tfn: 0739-80 25 23 och Sandra Nordin, tfn 0706-97 39 59.
Mail: press@polarmusicprize.org

TIDIGARE PRISTAGARE

1992 Sir Paul McCartney och de baltiska staterna
1993 Dizzy Gillespie och Witold Lutoslawski
1994 Nikolaus Harnoncourt och Quincy Jones
1995 Sir Elton John och Mstislav Rostropovich
1996 Pierre Boulez och Joni Mitchell
1997 Eric Ericson och Bruce Springsteen
1998 Ray Charles och Ravi Shankar
1999 Stevie Wonder och Iannis Xenakis
2000 Bob Dylan och Isaac Stern
2001 Burt Bacharach, Robert Moog och Karlheinz Stockhausen
2002 Sofia Gubaidulina och Miriam Makeba
2003 Keith Jarrett
2004 B.B. King och György Ligeti
2005 Gilberto Gil och Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
2006 Valery Gergiev och Led Zeppelin
2007 Steve Reich och Sonny Rollins
2008 Renée Fleming och Pink Floyd
2009 José Antonio Abreu & El Sistema och Peter Gabriel
2010 Ennio Morricone och Björk

PATTI SMITH IN CONCERT

Polar Music Prize presenterar stolt en konsert med 2011 års Polarpristagare PATTI SMITH med band i Stockholms Konserthus, onsdagen den 31 augusti, kl. 19.30. Konserten produceras av Stockholms Konserthus och Live Nation.

POLAR MUSIC TALKS

Lyssna till årets Polarpristagare när de talar om sina respektive konstnärskap. Samtalen kommer att ske på engelska. Endast ett begränsat antal platser.

POLAR MUSIC SESSIONS

Polar Music Sessions är en spännande dag av verbala ”jam sessions”, där vi blandar inspirerande tal med trendspaningar, paneldebatter, diskussioner och underhållning. Vi sätter fokus på hur musik och underhållning blir en allt viktigare del av samhället och där nya kanaler förändrar spelreglerna och skapar möjligheter inom såväl kultur som näringsliv för alla oss som älskar att skapa och njuta av musik.

För kontinuerliga uppdateringar och ytterligare information om årets Polar Music Talks och Polar Music Sessions gå till www.polarmusicprize.org

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