Biennale Musica 2026 Awards Honor Keiji Haino and Sarah Davachi

The Biennale di Venezia has announced the recipients of its 2026 music awards. The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is awarded to Japanese composer and performer Keiji Haino, recognized for his pioneering contributions to improvisation and contemporary experimental music over a career spanning more than five decades. The Silver Lion goes to Canadian composer and organist Sarah Davachi, noted for her innovative blending of electronic and acoustic languages in contemporary music. The decision was made by the Biennale's Board of Directors based on the proposal of Caterina Barbieri, Artistic Director of the Music Sector. The award ceremony will take place during the 70th International Festival of Contemporary Music, scheduled from October 10 to 24, 2026, in Venice. Haino will present a special live performance in its world premiere at the festival, along with a documentary on his career directed by Kazuhiro Shirao, shown outside Japan for the first time. Davachi will debut a new work for acoustic ensemble. Past Golden Lion recipients include notable figures such as Luciano Berio, Steve Reich, and Brian Eno, while previous Silver Lions have gone to artists and groups like Quartetto Prometeo and Ensemble Modern. Haino, born in 1952 in Chiba, Japan, is known for his diverse influences from noise to folk, with over 200 recordings and 2,000 concerts globally. Davachi, born in 1987 in Calgary, Canada, holds a doctorate in musicology and focuses on timbre and perception, with works performed by major ensembles like the Los Angeles Philharmonic.