Igor Levit becomes youngest recipient of the Wigmore Hall medal

German pianist Igor Levit has become the youngest ever recipient of the Wigmore Hall Medal in recognition of his ‘outstanding musical achievements and contribution to Wigmore Hall’. The 36-year-old was given the medal following his performance of the complete late piano works of Johannes Brahms at the Hall on Friday (19 January).

Following his Wigmore Hall debut in 2013 Levit has given more than 40 concerts at the Hall including two world premieres of work by Frederic Rzewski, plus performances of the complete Preludes & Fugues of Shostakovich and the complete cycle of Beethoven Violin Sonatas with violinist Julia Fischer. His next Wigmore Hall concert will see him perform of all of Brahms's Piano Trios alongside violinist Renaud Capuçon and cellist Julia Hagen.

Presenting the award, Wigmore Hall director John Gilhooly said: ‘Igor is quite rightly recognised for his outstanding qualities as one of the world’s pre-eminent pianists. His magnificent artistry reflects his questing mind. He challenges discrimination and racism, and is a staunch advocate for a fairer and more just society. Igor is a truly special figure in our musical world, and we are very proud of his long friendship with the Hall.’

Since 2007 the Wigmore Hall Medal has been awarded to artists whose contribution to the Hall has been especially significant. Levit joins a legacy of previous medal recipients including baritones Matthias Goerne and Christian Gerhaher, tenor Iestyn Davies, pianist Angela Hewitt, cellist Steven Isserlis, soprano Dame Felicity Lott and pianist and conductor Dame Mitsuko Uchida.

Receiving his medal Levit said: ‘For more than 10 years Wigmore Hall has been my home in London, where I have had some of the most memorable musical experiences of my career. I am absolutely delighted to receive this honour from John and very much look forward to the next chapter of this wonderful friendship with Wigmore Hall.’