A Tribute to Erich Kunzel-Conductor of Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

“For his work to bring music to millions of people literally around the globe through his Cincinnati Pops recordings, tours and television programs, as well as his guest appearances, Erich Kunzel is richly deserving of this recognition," said Cincinnati Pops Orchestra President Steven Monder.

Erich Kunzel
Erich Kunzel’s first conducting appearance with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, in October 1965, was a sold-out 8 O’Clock Pops concert at Music Hall. It was the beginning of a relationship with concert audiences the Cincinnati Enquirer described as “a musical love affair that works." When the CSO Board of Trustees officially established the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in 1977, Erich Kunzel was named the orchestra’s Conductor. He has since led the ensemble to unprecedented success with music lovers worldwide who have discovered the CPO through tour performances, television programs and best-selling Telarc recordings.

The National Medal of Arts, established by Congress in 1984, is awarded by the President to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the creation, growth, and support of the arts in the United States. Each year, the Arts Endowment seeks nominations from individuals and organizations across the country.  The National Council on the Arts, the Arts Endowment’s Presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed advisory body, reviews the nominations and provides recommendations to the President, who selects the recipients.

The 2006 National Medal of Arts Recipients