Kožená and Rattle Honored with Prestigious Antonín Dvořák Award
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A celebration of Czech musical heritage unfolded today at Prague Castle as mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená and British conductor Simon Rattle were jointly awarded the 2025 Antonín Dvořák Award. The Academy of Classical Music (AKH) recognized the husband-and-wife duo for their dedication to promoting Czech classical music on the international stage.
Champions of Czech Music Receive Top Honor
The prestigious award, presented by President Petr Pavel, acknowledges individuals and institutions making significant contributions to Czech music and the legacy of composer Antonín Dvořák. During the ceremony, performances of works by both Dvořák and Ludwig van Beethoven resonated within the historic Spanish Hall. Pavel, in his address, underscored the importance of those who champion the Czech Republic’s cultural reputation abroad.
“Both artists are touched and grateful to be a part of the award’s history,” Rattle expressed following the presentation, highlighting the profound meaning of the recognition. The award itself is uniquely designed in the shape of a cello, symbolizing the heart of classical music.
A Lifelong Dedication to Czech Composers
Magdalena Kožená has been lauded by the AKH not only as one of the most in-demand singers of our time but also as a vital cultural ambassador of the Czech Republic. Her commitment extends beyond concert halls and recordings, actively supporting basic art education within the Czech Republic, including the national festival for young performers, ZUŠ Open.
Similarly, Simon Rattle’s musical journey has been deeply influenced by Czech musical culture. The AKH noted the impact of recordings by the Czech Philharmonic under the direction of Karel Ančerl on his artistic sensibilities. From the 2024/2025 season, Rattle will serve as a guest conductor with the Czech Philharmonic, continuing his engagement with Czech repertoire. He recently released a comprehensive recording of Dvořák’s Erbenovská symphonic poems and the 2024 album Czech Songs, featuring works by Bohuslav Martinů, Antonín Dvořák, Hans Krása, and Gideon Klein – with Kožená as a featured performer.
A Legacy of Recognition
According to AKH director Robert Kolář, the Antonín Dvořák Prize is reserved for “top personalities or institutions whose contribution to Czech music and the spread of Antonín Dvořák’s legacy is essential for the audience across the global cultural community.”
The award, initiated in 2009 with the support of the Karel Komárek Family Foundation, has previously honored a distinguished roster of individuals. Past laureates include Josef Suk (2009), Ivan Moravec (2010), Jiří Kout (2011), Ludmila Dvořáková (2012), Jiří Kylián (2013), Jiří Bělohlávek (2014), Yo-Yo Ma (2015), Richard Novák (2016), Ivan Klánský (2017), the Czech Philharmonic (2018), Gabriela Beňačková (2019), Jakub Hrůša (2020), András Schiff (2021), the Prague Philharmonic Choir (2022), Panoch’s Quartet (2023), and, most recently, Australian theater and opera director Barrie Kosky in 2024.
The recognition of Kožená and Rattle underscores the enduring power of Czech musical artistry and its continued resonance on the world stage.
