By Julia Kilian, dpa I Friday, April 21, 2023
BERLIN – Reputable classic music conductor Daniel Barenboim has been recognized with an honorary citizen of Berlin in a ceremony at the German capital’s city hall.
Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey praised the 80-year-old for his “unparalleled mastery both at the concert grand piano and at the conductor’s podium.”
She also paid tribute to Barenboim’s societal commitment, such as promoting mutual understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
“As an artist and as a human being, you are truly a figure of the century,” Giffey told Barenboim.
In his acceptance speech, Barenboim said he was deeply touched by the award.
Barenboim was born in Argentina as the grandson of Jewish immigrants, before the family moved to Israel. He celebrated musical successes as a child. His path later led him to Berlin. There he was general music director of the Berlin State Opera for about 30 years, a post he recently gave up due to illness.
Barenboim co-founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which aims to bring together young people from the Middle East. The Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin also promotes musicians. Barenboim is the 123rd honorary citizen of Berlin.
The list includes former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, painter Max Liebermann and actress Marlene Dietrich. The most recent recipient was President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Barenboim was also honoured by 101-year-old Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor and fellow honorary citizen of Berlin.
