The BBVA Foundation today announced that their sixteen edition of the Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Music and Opera category has been awarded to Sir George Benjamin.

Citing his “extraordinary contribution and impact in contemporary creation in the realms of symphonic music, opera and chamber music”, the committee said, “Using a highly personal and distinctive language, he manages to communicate directly with the audience…with particular regard to his mastery of orchestration and tone color, and exquisite formal architecture.”

Upon receiving the award, Sir George said, “The opera house is where I have had my most precious experiences. I find myself losing the concept of time and place, and feel entirely united with what's happening in the music.”

Last year saw Sir George conduct the world premiere of his latest opera Picture a day like this at Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, receiving a series of five-star reviews, including from the Financial Times and the Telegraph.

2023 also saw Sir George receive the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize for his extraordinary services to music, with the citation naming him “one of the most important and influential contemporary artists of recent decades who has shaped New Music both as a composer and conductor.”

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards recognise and reward world-class research and artistic creation, prizing contributions of singular impact for their originality and significance. Previous winners have included Pierre Boulez, Kaija Saariaho, Arvo Pärt and Thomas Adès.

Watch an interview with Sir George following the receipt of the award.