Leonidas Kavakos won the Gramophone Artist of the Year Award 2014.  The highly prestigious awards are being presented annualy by the top music website Gramophone.

Leonidas Kavakos is recognised across the world as a violinist and artist of rare quality, known at the highest level for his virtuosity, superb musicianship and the integrity of his playing. The 10 artists nominated for the coveted Gramophone Artist of the Year Award 2014 were: Leonidas Kavakos, Iestyn Davies, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Renaud Capuçon, Mariss Jansons, Mahan Esfahani, Alisa Weilerstein, Alina Ibragimova, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and Vasily Petrenko.

«I’m deeply moved,» Kavakos said, receiving his award. «I strongly believe there is no way to success for anyone by himself. I want to really mention and thank those people who have been close to me…all the people I have had the privilege to make music with.»

The Gramophone Artist of the Year award is the latest accolade for Kavakos who has previously won prizes at several international violin competitions.