Universal Music Group (UMG) was awarded the Ukraine Peace Prize by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recognition of the country’s support for humanitarian relief efforts in the region and the historic role of music in promoting peace.
Award presented by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Europe and EuropeAtlantic Integrating Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna becomes President & CEO of UMG Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon Frank Briegmann at a special ceremony held at Universal Music Belgium’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday (5 September).
Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna said, “Ukraine is very grateful to Universal Music for their unwavering support. The company was one of the first to support Ukraine and join sanctions against Russia.
“UMG is the first music company in the world to receive such an award. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Universal Music has proven that they are the true friends of Ukraine and that the entertainment/culture sector should not stand aside in the war.
Accepting the award, Briegmann said, “Throughout history, music has served as a beacon of inspiration, hope and healing – and helped bring peace to those affected by violence.
“The Russian military invasion of Ukraine affects millions of people with urgent humanitarian needs – from food and water to shelter and clothing. Universal Music and our employees and artists are proud to support groups that stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance, saving lives for the most vulnerable.”
Other Award recipients include a wide range of individuals and businesses – from influential policymakers to leading businesses. UMG is the first music company to be awarded the Award.
Universal Music (through its global company, local companies, employees and artists) has provided financial support to humanitarian relief organizations for the people of Ukraine.
This included:
- UMG, its employees, artists and musicians support a range of refugee aid NGOs in the region, including those from World Central Kitchen to the International Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, International Medical Corps and CARE;
- UMG Executive Vice President Michele Anthony played a central role in Global Citizen’s “Stand Up for Ukraine” global social media rally in April, which brought together hundreds of thousands of global citizens, including many UMG artists, musicians, athletes, actors, creators and activists to promote and inspire global action to help raise over $10 billion for refugee relief Ukraine adopts EU commitment summit;
- UMG Nhãn label Decca Classics and Deutsche Grammophon partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Opera to release “A Concert for Ukraine” in July 2022, an album recorded live at the Met on March 14, 2022, featuring a concert especially pro-Ukrainian. Performed by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the album opens with Quoc anthem of Ukraine, featuring Ukrainian bass-baritone artist and Young Artist Lindemann Vladyslav Buialskyi, with proceeds from album sales being donated to charities that support relief efforts in Ukraine;
- UMG Sting artist re-recorded the hit song “Russians” with profit to benefit www.helpukraine.center, a volunteer archive set up by Ukrainian business owners to receive humanitarian aid and healthcare from around the world – with funds handled through the German Foundation’s charity, Ernst Prost, People for Peace; and
- The Berlin charity concert “Sound of Peace” featuring various UMG artists raised millions of Euros with Sarah Connor, Rea Garvey, David Garrett, among others;
- Classic concerts and charity releases with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Rolando Villazón, Daniel Barenboim, etc.
- Polish charity concerts arranged with a choir and orchestra of Polish and Ukrainian musicians have been broadcast in 50 countries.
- Many other local projects in different geographical regions of the world by UMG artists, creators and staff, including on the Ukrainian border.
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