The Canadian pianist received her medal after her Wigmore Hall BBC Radio 3 special broadcast recital on June 25
Angela Hewitt has received her Wigmore Medal in recognition of her international standing and contribution to the Hall, over the course of more than 80 performances since her Wigmore debut in 1985.
Ms. Hewitt had been due to receive the Medal from Wigmore Hall’s Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Kent at a public concert on 2 June, before the Covid-19 pandemic required the Hall to close.
The Wigmore Medal was inaugurated in 2007 and recognises major international artists and significant figures in the classical music world who have a strong association with the Hall. Past recipients include Iestyn Davies, Christian Gerhaher, Steven Isserlis, Dame Felicity Lott, Thomas Quasthoff, Menahem Pressler, Sir András Schiff and the Takács String Quartet.
HRH The Duke of Kent said: “My warmest congratulations on receiving this honour and I look forward to many more spectacular performances on the Wigmore Hall stage in the future.”
Angela Hewitt says: “Wigmore Hall has shaped my career in so many ways, and to receive the Wigmore Hall Medal was one of the happiest moments of my life. In 35 years of being on that beautiful stage, it was always my Wigmore programmes that gave shape to each concert season. I knew it was a place where, along with the well-known classics, I could perform more unusual repertoire and still fill the hall. The audience came not only to be thrilled but to be educated, and they trusted you with your choice. Their incredible attentiveness was felt even before I played the first note. I feel deeply honoured to join the distinguished list of previous Wigmore Medal winners. Thank you all for your friendship and support which means the world to me.”
John Gilhooly, Wigmore Hall’s Artistic & Executive Director, says: “Angela is an exceptional artist, and her performances at Wigmore Hall have been characterised by a tireless curiosity, technical flair and an overriding sense of artistic integrity."
The Wigmore Hall BBC Radio 3 Special Broadcast series has seen live music return to Wigmore Hall during the COVID-19 lockdown with concerts broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and in HD video on the Hall’s website every weekday during June.
You can watch her special broadcast recital from Wigmore Hall below.
An interview with Angela Hewitt will appear inside issue 115 of Pianist, out on 24 July. Subscribe today and receive upcoming issues 115 and 116 for just £2.
Main image: © Wigmore Hall