Award of the Federal Cross of Merit

The president of Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded Joana Mallwitz the Cross of Merit: "The multiple "Conductor of the Year" stands for the future of classical music with its universal, unifying language. Joana Mallwitz attaches particular importance to programmes for children and young people. Her "Expedition Concerts", which she began in Erfurt and has continued in Berlin as director of the Konzerthaus Orchestra since this season, have become almost famous. For Joana Mallwitz not only wants to take away the shyness of classical music for all generations, but also to convey, as she says, 'what a crazy joy it can be to listen to a Beethoven symphony like this.'"

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