News item | 20-11-2023 | 9:00 PM
Mezzo-soprano Tania Kross has received the 2023 Johannes Vermeer Prize from State Secretary Gunay Uslu (Culture and Media). The Johannes Vermeer Prize is the state prize for the arts. The jury, led by Marise Voskens, praises the way in which Kross practices her profession and the innovative way in which she builds bridges and connects people.
State Secretary Uslu: “Tania Kross is a role model for other makers. She has opened doors and continues to do so. Including by committing to music education within the Kingdom. In this way she introduces the younger generation to all the beautiful and compelling music has to offer. And almost more importantly: she is also a great connector, who builds bridges between people and music genres.”
The jury unanimously chose Tania Kross. “With her approach to opera and classical music, Tania Kross embraces the genre in its entirety. Her voice has many dimensions, from subdued to exuberant. The ease with which she moves in this indicates a deep and very personal knowledge of repertoire. The jury appreciates her great social involvement, her sincere attention to young people and their talents, and the connecting way in which she advocates music education.”
State Prize for the Arts
The Johannes Vermeer Prize is the state prize for the arts that is awarded annually and consists – in addition to a trophy – of 100,000 euros. The winner can spend this on a special project in his or her field of work. The government established the prize in 2008 to honor and encourage exceptional artistic talent. It can be awarded to artists from all artistic disciplines working in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Previous winners include writer Arnon Grunberg, visual artist Natasja Kensmil, opera director Pierre Audi, filmmaker Alex van Warmerdam, photographer Erwin Olaf, visual artist Marlene Dumas, architect Rem Koolhaas, graphic designer Irma Boom, composer and director Michel van der Aa, visual artist and film director Steve McQueen, fashion designer Iris van Herpen, violinist Janine Jansen, theater maker Ivo van Hove and photographer Rineke Dijkstra.