Franz Welser-Möst honored by European Academy of Yuste

The European Academy of Yuste has honored Cleveland Orchestra Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, recognizing his induction as an Academician of the Academy.  Academy Director Antonio Ventura Díaz welcomed him during a special ceremony at the Royal Monastery of Yuste in Spain.

Antonio Ventura Díaz Díaz
Director of the European Academy of Yuste Foundation

Mr. Welser-Möst, who had recently been appointed as a new member of the Academy, was officially awarded a medal as he was named to the Johannes Kepler Chair during the Accession Ceremony.

After Franz accepted his inauguration with remarks, he was welcomed by the Ambassador of Austria in Spain, M.E. Mr. Rudolf Lennkh.

Franz and M.E. Mr. Rudolf Lennkh

The members of the Academy are recognized for their outstanding creative endeavors or research and who through their work and efforts have contributed to the promotion and development of cultural and scientific progress in Europe.

Academicians serve as an advisory body to the European Academy of Yuste Foundation. Each Academician holds a symbolic chair, each of which bears the name of a notable deceased European (i.e. Socrates, Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci, Cervantes). The Academy appoints Academicians who are intellectually and culturally prestigious European personalities.  Current Academicians include Umberto Eco and Vaclav Havel, and those in memoriam include Mstislav Rostropovich.  For a complete list view the Academy's website.

The European Academy of Yuste, founded in 1992, aims to defend core values such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence among all peoples and nations, solidarity, democracy, freedom, and global peace.

 (l to r) Foundation Assesor Miguel Ángel Martín Ramos, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Madrid Barbara-Lee Storick, Mrs. Maud Lennkh, Ambassador Lennkh, Franz, and Mr.  Díaz Díaz

After the inauguration ceremony, the Austrian delegation and Franz had a tour of the monastery.  The historic site is the final home of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who passed away there in 1558.  The tour was led by the delegate of Patrimonio Nacional (National Heritage) in Yuste, Francisco Javier Gomez Pizarro.