Background information on ECHO Klassik

The ECHO Klassik is one of the best established and most well-known music awards in the world.

Every year the Deutsche Phono-Akademie - the cultural institute of the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (German music industry association) - honours the outstanding and successful performances of national and international artists with this award. The ECHO Klassik was launched in 1994 as an event of its own to do justice to the cultural importance of classical music and to further its popularity. Classical music is a fundamental part of our society and is enjoying increasing popularity. Its status among all age groups has grown considerably in those nineteen years.

A main objective of the ECHO Klassik is not only to reward world stars such as Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón, José Carreras, Philippe Jaroussky or David Garrett for their musical achievements, but also to promote outstanding young talents such as pianist Lauma Skride or soprano Danielle de Niese with the award. The ECHO Klassik is awarded by a jury who make their choices based on artistic quality as well as popular success. The award of the ECHO Klassik therefore not only reflects the opinion of critics but also the appreciation of music consumers.

The ECHO Klassik prize winners are determined by a judging panel made up of outstanding personalities from politics, the arts and media and the classical wing of the Bundesverband Musikindustrie.