Ennio Morricone and John Williams 2020 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts

Mr. John Williams' message of thanks at the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards, held on 16th October 2020

Hello. I’m John Williams, speaking to you from Los Angeles. I’m very sorry I can’t be with you tonight in Oviedo, but the virus, of course, makes travelling very difficult, if not impossible. But I’m very happy to have this opportunity to thank the Royal Family, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor and all the members of the Princess of Asturias Foundation.

I want to thank the Foundation and congratulate it for recognizing the essential role that the Arts plays in all our lives. And for any composer, I certainly feel that to be able to devote one’s entire life to the composing of music is a great privilege, making us all very lucky. And the fact my music can be appreciated elsewhere around the world is something beyond… a blessing beyond anything I could possibly ever have anticipated.

Also, I want to mention my colleague Ennio Morricone. Ennio, as you know, has passed away recently, but the world loves his iconic and powerful and forceful music and although we haven’t got Ennio with us any longer, we have his spirit and his music, which will be with us forever.

And finally let me say, Ladies and Gentlemen, that I have never been able to visit your great country, but I hope someday to be able to visit a country which has contributed to the world over the centuries so much momentous art and beautiful music.

Thank you all very, very much for this great honour.