
2017 Polar Music Prize Laureates (left to right): Sting and Wayne Shorter
The annual Polar Music Prize ceremony on 15 June in Stockholm will honour the iconic singer-songwriter and the renowned saxophonist
Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Sting and globally revered saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter have been announced as the 2017 Polar Music Prize Laureates. Now in its 26 year, the Polar Music Prize is considered a prestigious accolade in music, recognising two Laureates from different music genres. Such is the honour that artists feel when being awarded the prize that even Bob Dylan, the 2000 Laureate, attended the ceremony to receive his accolade.
“I am honoured to receive the Polar Music Prize and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected,” commented Sting. “I still maintain a childlike curiosity about music, along with a sense that I constantly need to work at it. So to be recognized in this way is truly meaningful. I am looking forward to coming to Sweden in June for this special evening.”
Wayne Shorter said: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the 2017 Polar Music Prize and I’m looking forward to accepting it in Sweden, a country that has produced some great musicians and composers who have inspired the world. It’s another great adventure for me, during a life where I’ve always chosen the trail less travelled because it always takes you to more interesting discoveries.”
Previous Polar Music Prize Laureates include: Paul McCartney, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Cecilia Bartoli, Youssou N’Dour, B.B. King, Mstislav Rostropovich and Renée Fleming.
Both Sting and Shorter will accept their prizes from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a gala ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on 15 June, preceded by The Polar Talks taking place on 14 June. To find out more, go to: polarmusicprize.org
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