Peter Gabriel, Abreu accept Polar Music Prize

The Associated Press

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — Peter Gabriel, founder of the rock group Genesis, and Venezuelan composer Jose Antonio Abreu are sharing this year's Polar Music Prize.

The musicians received their awards, worth 1 million kronor ($141,300) each, at a ceremony in Stockholm on Monday. Both said they would like to work together.

Abreu told reporters before the ceremony he had invited Gabriel to visit him in Venezuela, and that the award had made him even more committed to his work with children's music network El Sistema. Gabriel praised Abreu's work and said it was an honor to receive the prize.

The Polar Music Prize is usually split between pop artists and classical musicians.

Published 8/31/09 by

AP Recording News