Igor Levit receives the Schiller Prize: A clear no to anti-Semitism!

Igor Levit receives the Schiller Prize: A clear no to anti-Semitism!

On November 10, 2025, the city of Marbach's renowned Schiller Prize was awarded to the pianist Igor Levit, and the event hardly left a dry eye in the room. Levit, who scored points with his powerful speech against anti-Semitism, expressed his anger at the growing social dehumanization. At a time when anti-Semitism has gained a foothold not only in right-wing circles but also in broad sections of society, he called on artists and intellectuals to show clarity and responsibility. “Art is a commission, not a decoration,” he stated firmly. An overwhelming standing ovation and stormy applause accompanied his performance, in which even a slip of the tongue did not stop the audience from giving him their heartfelt praise.

Levit, born in Russia in 1987 and moved to Germany at the age of eight, has made a name for himself not only as a talented pianist, but also as a committed fighter against extremism. With remarkable piano studies in Hanover, he graduated with the highest number of points in the history of the institute and made his first international appearance at the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival in 2012. His political commitment was recently recognized with the Schiller Prize, which has been awarded since 1959 and is endowed with 10,000 euros. Despite the current financial challenges, the prize will now be awarded every four years after the Marbach local council decided to do so.

The fight against anti-Semitism

In his speech, Levit denounced the new form of cowardice and silence that surrounds the issue of anti-Semitism. He noted that today this is not only present in extreme political camps, but in the entire social discourse. He compared sad incidents that illustrate the seriousness of the situation, such as the deadly attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. It was one of the worst attacks on Jews in US history and a devastating reminder that anti-Semitism has not been overcome, but continues to exist in many forms - often even unnoticed or tolerated.

Levit therefore called on artists, writers and society as a whole to take a clear stance in order to counteract this hatred. Current events make it clear that it's not just about words, but about an attitude that should be present in art and in everyday life. The frightening figures published by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on anti-Semitic incidents in the USA make this more than clear: In 2022, there were 3,679 incidents, the highest number since the survey began.

A tireless fighter for good

Levit is not only a musician, but also a keeper of hope. During the 2020 lockdowns, he streamed 53 house concerts on Twitter to connect people and show community spirit. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his commitment, including the International Beethoven Prize and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. His long-term documentary “Igor Levit – No Fear” premiered in 2022 and shows that the combination of art and social commitment is his top priority.

The Schiller Prize is an important award that not only recognizes creative achievements, but also sends a strong message against the tolerance of anti-Semitism and for social responsibility. Promoting clarity and moral courage through each and every individual is a concept that Levit brought into people's hearts with his speech.