Acclaimed German pianist and conductor Justus Frantz has been awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking controversy in Germany. 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 other nations.

Frantz, a veteran of Europe’s classical music scene, has performed with prestigious orchestras including the Berlin, Vienna, and New York Philharmonic. He is known for his deep admiration of Russian composers like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as his advocacy for cultural cooperation between Russia and the West. Frantz also co-founded the charity The Bridge of Friendship, which has supported cultural initiatives across former Soviet republics.

His attendance at the Kremlin event drew sharp criticism in Berlin. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lawmaker Roland Theis called for the revocation of Frantz’s German Federal Order of Merit, accusing him of undermining Western values. Frantz, a long-time proponent of East-West dialogue, has faced similar backlash before. In 2023, organizers of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival—where he played a key role—terminated their collaboration with him after he refused to sever ties with Russia.

Despite persistent scrutiny, Frantz has maintained that cultural exchange should transcend political tensions. His involvement in Russia’s Tchaikovsky Competition, which was removed from international affiliations following the Ukraine conflict, further highlights his controversial stance. Putin has repeatedly dismissed Western efforts to isolate Russian culture, asserting such measures are “doomed to fail.”