Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter has been awarded the Atlantic Council’s 2012 Distinguished Artistic Leadership Award, recognising her as ‘one of the most significant leaders of our society,’ according to DG president Frank Briegmann, and acknowledging her encouragement of young musical talent through the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation.

She was presented her award at a ceremony held in Washington DC by conductor and composer André Previn, alongside fellow Distinguished Leadership Award-winners, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, HRH Prince Harry and Unilever CEO Paul Polman.

The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the Atlantic Council, an institution devoted to promoting international cooperation and security. Mutter, who last year celebrated 35 years as a performer, joins a list of Leadership Award laureates including President Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Plácido Domingo and Evgeny Kissin.