Paavo Järvi, was honoured with the Senate Medal for Art and Science last weekend for his outstanding services to culture in the Hanseatic city of Bremen.
In his welcome address at the presentation, Bremen’s Mayor and Senator for Culture Andreas Bovenschulte said: “In his twenty years as artistic director of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen in particular, Paavo Järvi has made a huge contribution to both the orchestra and culture in Bremen. His commitment has not only involved traditional events such as ‘Summer in Lesmona’, but also participative initiatives such as the ‘District Opera’ in Osterholz-Tenever and ‘Future Lab’, the orchestra’s endeavour to promote cultural participation and music for young people. And the Senate is recognising this outstanding achievement with this special award.”
In accepting the award, Paavo Järvi said “I feel great joy and deep gratitude for this special honour and appreciation, which once again impressively underlines my close ties with the city of Bremen. Bremen is a second home for me – a place that holds a special place in my heart due to its many similarities with Tallinn, the city of my birth. My long-standing connection is also an expression of my special bond with the musicians of this orchestra and my boundless appreciation.”