Violinist Gil Shaham Wins Avery Fisher Prize For 2008

November 21, 2008 6:38 a.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - Violinist Gil Shaham has won the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize for 2008. The Avery Fisher Prize is an award given to American musicians for outstanding achievement in classical music.

The surprise announcement was made by Avery Fisher Artist Program, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, at the end of Shaham's nationally televised performance on PBS's "Live From Lincoln Center" on Thursday night.

The 37-year-old violinist of Israel descent will get $75,000 as a part of the award. In 1990, he received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. In 1992, he was awarded the Premio Internazionale of the Accademia Chigiana in Siena.

The award is decided by members of the Avery Fisher Artist Program; artists do not apply, and nominations are secret. It is named for the man who invented the transistorized amplifier and helped fund the landmark West Side arts complex.

Established in 1974, the award has been presented to 19 other musicians, including Richard Goode, Edgar Meyer, David Shifrin and most recently Joshua Bell.