This year's Rheingau Music Prize goes to the Mexican-French tenor Rolando Villazón . His voice, charisma, and stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide for more than 25 years, the organizers announced on Sunday. The €10,000 prize will be awarded to the 54-year-old during his concert on August 20 at Eberbach Abbey.

Rolando Villazón

With this award, the jury honors an artist "who lives opera with passion, moves people, and leaves a lasting mark on music—on stage, as an artistic director, and through his personal commitment to future generations," the statement read. "His extraordinary artistic versatility, impressively reflected in his work as a director, writer, presenter, artistic director, and music educator, is particularly noteworthy," the statement continued. Furthermore, Villazón fosters and inspires the next generation of classical musicians, acting as a mentor, source of ideas, and role model.

Hesse's Minister of Culture, Timon Gremmels (SPD), whose ministry is providing the prize money, stated: "Rolando Villazón's passion for music is honest, likeable, and captivating. He combines outstanding skill and exceptional talent with charming ease."

The Rheingau Music Prize is being awarded for the 33rd time this year. Previous winners include the Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer (1996), the International Bach Academy Stuttgart (2000), the Windsbach Boys' Choir (2007), the Lautten Compagney (2012), and last year's winner, the singer Thomas Quasthoff.

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