MORRICONE ENNIO HONOURED BY POPE FRANCIS

Ennio Morricone during his visit to Targi Kielce in 2012

“The extraordinary artistic work in the sphere of music, universal language of peace, solidarity and spirituality” - the Italian RAI radio station quoted the decision justifying the resolution to present the accolade.

The award was presented to the outstanding compose on 15 April by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, in Rome’s Sant’Agnese in Agone.  

Morricone gained the world-fame primarily for his numerous films soundtracks, including those for "Once upon a time in America", "Mission", "Cinema Paradiso", "Professional", "Django" and "The Hateful Eight". He also composes chamber music and spiritual works, such as the "Mass for Pope Francis" of 2015. He has been awarded many times in recognition for his work, including for the prize for “the inventive genius to create the intimacy marked with lyricisms and simplicity; for producing sounds all the world loves" - the Per Artem ad Deum Medal was awarded jointly by Targi Kielce and the Pontifical Culture Council. The Oscar in 2017 for the the life-time achievements is also one of the composer’s trophies.

(JL)