Germany’s Kaiser Otto Prize Announces 2025 Laureates

Violinist Lisa Batiashvili and pianist Igor Levit won the award for their commitment to promoting European democratic values.

First awarded in 2005, the Kaiser Otto Prize of the City of Magdeburg is a biennial prize honouring individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the progressive process of European unification and democratic values.

The Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili and German pianist Igor Levit have been selected as 2025 winners by the awards committee and the Kaiser Otto Cultural Foundation.

Honored for their long-standing commitment to speaking out against conflict and anti-Semitism, Batiashvili and Levit have “repeatedly spoken out in very decisive ways.” wrote BR Klassik.

Batiashvili performed at Munich’s Odeonsplatz in the first year of the Russian invasion of Ukraineand Levit spoke publicly against emerging anti-Semitism And for the release of Israeli hostages.

According to the website of the city of MagdeburgThe two artists were chosen from 12 other candidates. Although the Kaiser Otto Prize has so far only been awarded to politically active figures, the circle of potential nominations is not limited to politics.

Batiashvili and Levit to receive Magdeburg Mayor’s Honorary Award Simone Borris during a ceremony at Magdeburg Cathedral on July 2, 2025.

“They give a voice to people who can’t speak out or who aren’t heard enough,” Borris said.

Previous winners of the award include former Federal President Richard von Weizsäckerthe former chancellor Angela Merkeland the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.