Mason Bates Among Winners of 18th Annual Heinz Awards

Mason Bates

Mason Bates is among the winners of the 18th annual Heinz Awards, an honor which includes an unrestricted cash prize of $250,000. At 35, Bates—a composer noted for his integration of classical music with DJ culture and the use of electronics in his symphonic work—is one of the youngest-ever recipients of the award.

In addition to Bates, who was recognized for his contributions to the arts and humanities, this year’s Heinz Awards winners include Richard J. Jackson (environment), Freeman Hrabowski, III (human condition), KC Golden (public policy), and Jay Keasling (technology, the economy and employment).

Teresa Heinz, chairman of the Heinz Family Foundation which bestows the awards, noted, “While others focus on what we can no longer do, these five focus on what we can do and have redefined the limits of possibility in spheres ranging from music to medicine, science, the environment and education. They embody the best in all of us and the promise for a brighter future.”

Established by Teresa Heinz in 1993 to honor the memory of her late husband, U.S. Senator John Heinz, the Heinz Awards celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to him.

Nominations are submitted by invited experts, who serve anonymously, and are reviewed by jurors appointed by the Heinz Family Foundation. Award recipients are ultimately selected by the Board of Directors.

In addition to the monetary award, recipients are presented with a medallion inscribed with the image of Senator Heinz on one side and a rendering of a globe passing between two hands on the other. The Heinz Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 11. More information about the Heinz Awards and the recipients is available here.