2019 ISPA Award Recipients Announced

Download this media release

On behalf of ISPA’s Board of Directors, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is delighted to announce the recipients of the New York 2019 ISPA Awards. With the Executive’s unanimous endorsement, the 2019 award recipients are:

Distinguished Artist Award Recipient

Presented to artists who have made an outstanding contribution of talent, artistry, dedication, and service to the world of the performing arts.

Gustavo Dudamel

Music & Artistic Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic

"Maestro Dudamel is now one of the most interesting, innovative and curious conductors in the world."

International Citation of Merit Recipient

Presented for unique lifetime achievement which has enriched the international performing arts.

Alistair Spalding CBE

Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells

“He is the international leader in presenting all forms of dance from small to large scale.”

Patrick Hayes Award Recipient

Inspired by the legacy of the founding President of the International Society of the Performing Arts Foundation, Patrick Hayes, this Award recognizes an ISPA member in any stage of their career who has demonstrated transformative leadership in the performing arts.

Jacqueline Z. Davis

Executive Director of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center

“As a long standing member of ISPA she has been a visionary in the performing arts field and has inspired new ideas and initiatives across the globe.”

Angel Award Recipient

Michael M. Koerner

President of Canada Overseas Investments Limited

“Michael Koerner is a visionary philanthropist whose generosity has had and will continue to have a profound impact on the performing arts in Canada and around the world for generations to come.”

The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held during the New York 2019 ISPA Congress, Transitions: Today’s Future for the Arts, on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Times Center.