Glashutte Original - 10th Music Festival Award
Already in its 10th year, the Glashutte Original Music Festival Award ceremony took place against the backdrop of the Dresden Music Festival. The 25,000 Euro prize, funded by the Saxon watch manufactory, is awarded in recognition of significant commitment and support on behalf of developing young artists. On stage at the Dresden Theatre were the director of the Dresden Music Festival, Jan Vogler, and Yann Gamard, Managing Director of Glashutte Original; together they announced the name of the 2013 award winner: Thomas Quasthoff.
The German bass baritone was unable to participate in the ceremony due to illness. Accepting the award on his behalf were his wife, Claudia Quasthoff, and one of his students, Manuel Walser, both visibly moved.
The Dresden Music Festival and the Saxon watch manufactory have jointly awarded the prize for support to emerging artists since 2004. Thomas Quasthoff is a worthy winner as he has lent his committed support, enthusiasm and artistic and musical competence to young singers as they approach the world of the stage. On the occasion of the award ceremony one of Thomas Quasthoff's students, Manuel Walser, offered the audience a serenade in honour of the award winner. In February 2013, Walser won the "Das Lied" competition in Berlin, which Quasthoff initiated.
The 2013 winner sent a written greeting to the two founders of the Glashutte Original Music Festival Award:
„First I must thank you with all my heart for this award. I am honoured to receive recognition for my efforts to win people over to good music, both classical and jazz. For me, the real gift is the fact that I get to work with young people. Thank you for acknowledging this with your award!"
The evening was to have seen Thomas Quasthoff and Louis Lortie at the Dresden Theatre in a performance marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner. The renowned actress Marie Bäumer generously offered to step in at short notice to take over the speaking role.
The evening affair concluded in the charming atmosphere of the theatre's Felix restaurant, as guests engaged in interesting discussions regarding the fascination exerted by music and the art of watchmaking.
Glashutte Original Music Festival Award
As in previous years the Glashutte Original Music Festival Award trophy was built by two apprentice watchmakers at the "Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking" in Glashutte. Every year the School, owned by Glashutte Original and now in its 11th year, trains watchmakers and toolmakers. The form of the award trophy unites traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with modern materials. The flying tourbillon with its 18 tiny weighted screws symbolizes the virtuosity of watchmakers.
Since 2004 the Dresden Music Festival Award, funded by Glashutte Original, has been awarded jointly by the Dresden Music Festival and Glashutte Original.