The Praemium Imperiale Awards, initiated in 1988, are presented by the Japanese imperial family to acknowledge accomplishments in various artistic domains such as painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, and film.

Renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Wynton Marsalis has been recognized in the Music category and will be granted a cash prize of 15 million Yen (approximately $102,000 USD).

Wynton Marsalis, one of the most celebrated musicians in the United States, holds the distinction of being the only artist to have received a GRAMMY Award in both jazz and classical categories during the same year. He has an extensive collection of 127 recordings spanning jazz and classical genres, dating back to his debut in 1982.

Marsalis is equally accomplished as a composer, with his latest composition being a violin concerto dedicated to Nicola Benedetti. This concerto is set to have its premiere in November 2023 at the Royal Festival Hall, featuring Benedetti as the soloist, accompanied by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

In addition to his remarkable performing career, Marsalis currently holds key positions, including Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, and President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.

In response to receiving the 2023 Praemium Imperiale for Music from the Government of Japan in partnership with the Japan Art Association, Marsalis expressed his deep honor and respect.