Rock band Metallica and the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) and its founder Dr Ahmad Sarmast have been announced as the recipients of the prestigious Polar Music Prize. Lars Ulrich, drummer and co-founder of Metallica, said: “Receiving the Polar Music Prize is an incredible thing, it puts us in very distinguished company. Afghanistan National Institute of Music (Handout)Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize, said: “We believe that our two recipients, although from very contrasting worlds, exemplify the mission of the Polar Music Prize, and that is to honour musicians and music organisations, whose work has made a difference to people’s lives. “Dr Ahmad Sarmast founded the Afghanistan National Institute of Music to restore the joy and power of music to children’s lives. ANIM’s work with young people and disadvantaged children is truly inspirational.”Dr Sarmast (Handout)The Polar Music Prize laureates are decided by an independent 12-member committee.

Source: Irish Examiner February 14, 2018 07:52 UTC