Maestro José Antonio Abreu has been honored with the prestigious ECHO Klassik Award for Social Engagement at the Konzerthaus Berlin on October 2. Presented by the German Phono Akademie, the cultural institute of the German Music Industry Association, the ECHO Klassik awards recognize the work of the most important artists in the world of classical music.

The three-hour ceremony was held at the historic Konzerthaus Berlin and broadcasted live by the German television. Upon accepting the award, maestro Abreu received a long outstanding ovation. A humble Abreu accepted the ECHO Klassik award on behalf of all the Venezuelan maestros and professors whose relentless efforts contribute to the building and growth of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela.

Other recipients this year included world-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta, Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón, pianist Lang Lang, and Pierre Boulez.