Michael Kaiser to receive 2009 George Peabody Medal
Michael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center, an international arts management/rescue guru and a compelling advocate for preserving artistic quality even in the face of adversity, has been awarded the 2009 George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music in America, presented by the Peabody Institute.
Kaiser joins a starry roster of recipients that, since 1980, has included Leonard Bernstein, Quincy Jones and Eubie Blake. Kaiser is described in the citation as "an impresario for the 21st century, the heir of Schikaneder, Diaghilev, Hurok, and Kirstein.” The medal will be presented during the graduation ceremony at the Peabody Institute on May 21.
Although that ceremony is private, Kaiser will make a public appearance at 3 p.m. May 21 at the BMA, interviewed by Tom Hall to address the topic “Culture in Crisis and the Impact on the Baltimore Region’s Art Community.” Free tickets can be reserved by May 18 at missiontix.
BALTIMORE SUN STAFF PHOTO






