Maria João Pires wins Helena Vaz da Silva European Award 2025

The Casa da Música Foundation is pleased to congratulate Maria João Pires on being awarded the Helena Vaz da Silva European Award for Raising Public Awareness on Cultural Heritage 2025. The Portuguese pianist has, on many occasions, captivated the audience of the Sala Suggia.

According to the Centro Nacional de Cultura, the institution that created the award, “Maria João Pires is one of the most poetic and influential pianists in Europe. In addition to being an extraordinary performer, she is a visionary educator, a cultural thinker, and a silent revolutionary in the field of musical heritage.”

Throughout her career, the artist has reflected on the role of art in life, in the community, and in education, seeking new ways of embedding this vision in society. Along the way, she has explored means that foster the sharing of ideas while respecting the development of individuals and cultures.

Maria João Pires has taken part in several editions of Casa da Música’s Piano Cycle, performing both in solo recitals and in duo, with cellist Pavel Gomziakov and pianist Ignasi Cambra.