B.B. KING & GYÖRGY LIGETI WINNERS OF THE POLAR MUSIC PRIZE FOR 2004
The winners of the Polar Music Prize, The Royal Swedish Academy of Music Award, for
2004 were unveiled on Wednesday the 15th of October 2003 at The Royal Swedish Academy
of Music in Stockholm. The Chairman of the Board and Award Committee, Mr. Åke Holmquist,
read the Award Committee’s citations.
Extract from the B.B. King Citation
“The Polar Music Prize for 2004 is being awarded to the American composer, singer and
performer Riley B King for his significant contributions to the blues. King’s total dedication
to his music, a rich recording history and tireless touring lasting more than half a century have
made him one of the most prominent figures within the blues. Through his achievements in
spreading the blues throughout the world, he has, as a leading proponent of his music,
proved of fundamental importance to the development of modern popular music.”
During the announcement at the Academy, a short film with live performances of B.B. King
was shown and pianist Mr. Fredrik Ullén played Ligeti’s “Etudes no. 13, L´escalier du diable”.
The prizewinners will receive the prize from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a
gala ceremony in Stockholm to be followed by a celebratory banquet at Grand Hôtel on Monday
the 24th of May. Her Majesty Queen Silvia and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria will
be amongst the many other dignitaries attending.
As from 2004, the prizegiving ceremony will be held at the Stockholm Concert Hall,
which is also where the Nobel Prize ceremony takes place.
The event, which is broadcast on national television (TV4), attracts international media,
members of the international music business, celebrities, artists, musicians, government
ministers, politicians and other leading members of society and industry.
On Saturday the 22nd of May, B.B. King will, together with the eight
members of his band, perform at the Stockholm Concert Hall.
More info at polarmusicprize.com.