Thomas Quasthoff
The distinguished German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal at the 20th RPS Music Awards on 12 May 2009.
Sir Charles Mackerras, himself a gold medallist of the Society read the citation:
Thomas Quasthoff is a singer with a rare capacity to inspire listeners of all ages, be it in classical music or jazz, but not just for the luminous beauty of his voice or his sensitive colouring of words. His life is also an inspiration to many. With courage and a great sense of humour he has refused to allow any adversity to deter him from his pursuit of excellence in all that he does, and as a result - as musician, teacher, writer, and raconteur - he has enriched and delighted audiences the world over. Thomas Quasthoff is truly an artist universally admired and loved.
The RPS Gold Medal was initiated in 1870 to commemorate the centenary of Beethoven's birth and bears the effigy of Beethoven. It is awarded internationally for the most outstanding musicianship. Fewer than 100 medals have been presented in the intervening years. Current Gold Medal recipients include: Claudio Abbado, Janet Baker, Pierre Boulez, Alfred Brendel, Elliott Carter, Colin Davis, Placido Domingo, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Bernard Haitink, Charles Mackerras, Simon Rattle, Joan Sutherland, Daniel Barenboim and Henri Dutilleux.
Graham Sheffield, Chairman of the Royal Philharmonic Society comments:
“The Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, with its matchless lineage and history, is recognised worldwide as one of classical music's highest accolades. It is more than fitting that Thomas Quasthoff becomes the 93rd recipient of his award, following previous German honorees such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Richard Strauss and, some years before them, Johannes Brahms! Quasthoff is one of classical music's most intelligent and compelling voices, and we look forward to his presence at our awards ceremony in May.”
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