Acclaimed German pianist and conductor Justus Frantz has been awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking controversy in Berlin. The honor was presented during a Kremlin ceremony marking Russia’s Unity Day, where Putin praised Frantz for his “fruitful contribution to fostering closer relations and mutual enrichment” between Russia and the West.

Frantz, known for his deep admiration of Russian composers like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff, has long advocated for cultural cooperation between Russia and Europe. He is a veteran of major orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Symphony, and founded the charity The Bridge of Friendship, supporting projects across former Soviet republics.

The German conductor’s attendance at the ceremony drew sharp criticism from within Germany. CDU lawmaker Roland Theis called for revoking Frantz’s German Federal Order of Merit, citing his refusal to distance himself from Russia despite international tensions. Frantz has previously faced backlash for maintaining ties with Russian institutions, including his role as a judge in the Tchaikovsky Competition, which was removed from global affiliations after the Ukraine conflict escalated.

Despite mounting scrutiny, Frantz has defended cultural exchange as separate from political conflicts, stating that “the world is big and beautiful” and emphasizing dialogue over division. His latest award has reignited debates about artists navigating geopolitical tensions while preserving artistic collaboration.