Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2026 goes to conductor Kirill Petrenko
His Majesty The King of Denmark 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 Symphony Orchestra, 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.
Citation
Presenting this year’s laureate, board member of the Léonie Sonning Music Foundation Martin Brommann described Kirill Petrenko as an artist who reminds us that “true artistic depth takes time” and whose work is defined by trust, attentiveness and an uncompromising dedication to music itself.
These qualities are at the heart of the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2026.
His Majesty The King of Denmark presented the award with the following citation:
“The Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2026 is awarded, with a sum of 1,000,000 kroner, to the conductor Kirill Petrenko.
In Kirill Petrenko we recognize an artist of exceptional integrity, whose work is defined not by outward display, but by an unwavering devotion to the essence of music itself.
His artistry is marked by rare precision, depth, and humility. With an uncompromising commitment to the score and an extraordinary ability to inspire those around him, he transforms music into an experience of clarity, intensity, and meaning.
For his outstanding contribution to the art of music, and for the lasting impression he leaves on musicians and audiences alike, it is both fitting and an honour to award the Léonie Sonning Music Prize to Kirill Petrenko.”
Conductor Festival with the Laureate
In connection with the presentation of the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2026 to Kirill Petrenko, the Léonie Sonning Music Foundation, in collaboration with DR, the Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Danish Film Institute’s Cinematheque, organised a series of special events in Copenhagen.
Over five days, audiences explored the role of the conductor through film screenings, seminars, discussions and concerts. The programme offered artistic, historical and personal perspectives on conducting, with Kirill Petrenko’s artistry as its focal point.
The festival culminated in the award ceremony and gala concert at DR Koncerthuset, where Kirill Petrenko conducted the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.
About Kirill Petrenko
Kirill Petrenko is widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of our time and has served as Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic since 2019. He is renowned for his exceptional musical precision, profound understanding of the score, and his ability to create performances of remarkable intensity and vitality in both the symphonic and operatic repertoire.
Born in Omsk, Russia, and raised in Austria, Petrenko has held leading positions including General Music Director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich and has appeared with many of the world’s foremost orchestras and opera houses. Throughout his career, he has earned the admiration of musicians and audiences alike through his uncompromising artistic integrity and deep commitment to music.
