The 36-year-old Russian-born German pianist Igor Levit has become the youngest ever recipient of the Wigmore Hall Medal. In recognition of his outstanding musical achievements and contribution to Wigmore Hall, Levit received the medal from Wigmore Hall director John Gilhooly following Levit’s performance of the complete late piano works of Johannes Brahms at the Hall on Friday 19 January.

Having made is Wigmore Hall debut in 2013, Levit has given more than 40 concerts at the hall performing a wide range of repertoire. Among the highlights of his Wigmore appearances are his Beethoven piano sonata cycle in 2016/17 – before Levit went on to record the complete sonatas (Sony Classical – read the review; a Gramophone Award winner in 2020). Other highlights include premieres by Frederic Rzewski, the complete Preludes & Fugues of Shostakovich and influential revivals of major keyboard works by Ferruccio Busoni and Ronald Stevenson.

Igor Levit with the Wigmore Hall Medal

The citation for the Wigmore Hall Medal reads: ‘Since making his Wigmore Hall debut in 2013, Igor Levit has become a cherished member of the Hall’s family of artists. Igor is quite rightly recognised for his outstanding qualities as one of the world’s pre-eminent pianists. His magnificent artistry reflects his questing mind. He challenges discrimination and racism, and is a staunch advocate for a fairer and more just society. Igor is a truly special figure in our musical world, and we are very proud of his long friendship with the Hall.’

Igor Levit said: ‘For more than 10 years Wigmore Hall has been my home in London, where I have had some of the most memorable musical experiences of my career. I am absolutely delighted to receive this honour from John and very much look forward to the next chapter of this wonderful friendship with Wigmore Hall.’

First awarded to Matthias Goerne in February 2007, the Wigmore Hall Medal recognises artists whose contribution to Wigmore Hall has been especially significant. Many laureates gave early performances on the Wigmore Hall stage and have continued to return throughout their careers, building long-standing relationships with both the Hall and its audiences. Past recipients include Iestyn Davies, Christian Gerhaher, Angela Hewitt, Steven Isserlis, Dame Felicity Lott, Brad Mehldau, Menahem Pressler, Thomas Quasthoff, the Takács Quartet and Dame Mitsuko Uchida.