14/06/2026
His Majesty The King of Denmark today presented the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2026 to conductor Kirill Petrenko at a gala concert in DR Koncerthuset
In awarding the Prize, His Majesty highlighted Petrenko as “an artist of exceptional integrity,” whose work is characterised by “rare precision, depth, and humility” and by an unwavering commitment to the essence of music itself. Through his extraordinary ability to inspire musicians and audiences alike, Petrenko transforms music into “an experience of clarity, intensity, and meaning.”
Accepting the Prize, Petrenko expressed his gratitude for the honour and announced that he will donate the entire prize sum of DKK 1,000,000 to organisations supporting Ukraine.
“Receiving this Prize is an incredible honour for me and a meaningful confirmation of the work I have devoted my life to,” he said.
“As a Russian artist, it is completely shocking for me. People in Ukraine are still trying to live their lives while protecting and defending their sovereignty and their future. I made a decision to donate the money to organisations supporting Ukraine, particularly helping children who have lost their families during the war, and to initiatives restoring the cultural heritage destroyed by the war.”
The award ceremony took place during a festive concert with the DR Symfoniorkestret, conducted by Kirill Petrenko, featuring Mendelssohn’s atmospheric The Hebrides Overture, Schumann’s Piano Concerto with Polina Osetinskaya as soloist, and Strauss’ monumental Also sprach Zarathustra.
The Léonie Sonning Music Foundation warmly congratulates Kirill Petrenko on receiving the 2026 Léonie Sonning Music Prize and thanks him for both his outstanding artistic contribution and acknowledges his generosity in choosing to donate the Prize to organisations supporting Ukraine.
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