The Antonín Dvořák Prize 2025 Awarded to Magdalena Kožená and Sir Simon Rattle
Published: 15. december 2025
The prestigious Antonín Dvořák Prize 2025 was awarded to mezzo‑soprano Magdalena Kožená and conductor Sir Simon Rattle in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the promotion of Czech classical music at home and abroad. The prize was presented as part of the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival, which has been long supported by the Karel Komárek Family Foundation.
The award ceremony traditionally took place in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle. The laureates received the prize, symbolised by a glass cello, from the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. In his address, he acknowledged all those who help spread the good name of the Czech Republic internationally. The gala concert featured works by Antonín Dvořák as well as Ludwig van Beethoven.
About the Laureates
Magdalena Kožená is one of the most prominent figures of the Czech vocal scene and is widely regarded as a cultural ambassador of the Czech Republic. Alongside her international career, she is strongly committed to promoting Czech music abroad. A significant part of her activities is devoted to supporting basic arts education, including the nationwide festival of young performers ZUŠ Open.
Sir Simon Rattle has repeatedly returned to Czech composers as both conductor and programmer. He began his career with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and later rose to prominence as Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, a position he held from 2002 to 2018. Czech musical culture has played an important role in his artistic development, with particular inspiration drawn from recordings by the Czech Philharmonic under Karel Ančerl. From the 2024/2025 season, Sir Simon Rattle serves as a guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic.
Both laureates combine exceptional artistic achievement with a strong connection to Czech music. Magdalena Kožená is highly valued for her profound and sensitive interpretations of Czech repertoire, while Sir Simon Rattle ranks among the key conductors who present Czech music on the world’s stages.
The Antonín Dvořák Prize is awarded by the Academy of Classical Music to individuals, ensembles and institutions for an outstanding contribution to Czech classical music and for promoting the legacy of Antonín Dvořák in the Czech Republic and internationally. The patron of the prize is the Karel Komárek Family Foundation, with MND as the main partner. Previous laureates include Josef Suk (Antonín Dvořák’s great‑grandson), Ivan Moravec, Jiří Bělohlávek, Jakub Hrůša and Barrie Kosky.
„The Academy of Classical Music always selects laureates from leading personalities or institutions whose contribution to Czech music and to promoting the legacy of Antonín Dvořák is essential for audiences across the global cultural community.“
Director of the Academy of Classical Music and a member of the KKFF Board of Trustees
Photo: Dvořák Prague Festival
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