PRESS RELEASE

Margaret Steinitz awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

On Monday 11 December, Deputy Head of Mission Hans Henning Blomeyer-Bartenstein presented the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Margaret Steinitz, the Artistic Director of the London Bach Society (LBS).

Founded in 1946 by Margaret Steinitz's late husband Paul, the LBS has not only introduced Bach's vast corpus of music to several generations of musicians and audiences in the UK, but also changed the approach to performing the works, pioneering the use of period instruments and, since 1950, singing the choral works in their original language.

Under the guidance of Margaret Steinitz, the LBS has continued to entertain, experiment, uplift and inspire all lovers of Bach's music, as well as to build an invaluable database for Bach studies and an imaginative educational programme. In presenting the Order, Mr. Blomeyer-Bartenstein said: "I know that you are just as modest about your own work with the Bach Society as Bach was about his organ playing. But we all know better. We know just how much hard work and tireless endeavour you give to bringing Bach's music closer to people in both our countries."

For further information, please contact the German Embassy Press Department.

ENDS