2016 Helmut Lachenmann

The Hans Christian Andersen Award Committee has for several years been aware of ”Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern” as a genuinely original and very personal work. Just like the actual work of H.C. Andersen a certain maturity is necessary before you quite understand the perspective. It may have been the most distinctive work, the Award Committee has selected as an award winner, but at the same time we understand that it is one of the most well-informed interpretations of Hans Christian Andersen. We are impressed and touched by consistency expressed by Lachenmann in this composition, and by the power with which with this work has hit its audience with over almost 20 years and its many productions. We hope that is will be possible to show this work in Denmark. It will give the Danes a completely new interpretation of our Old Poet.