Pianist Maria João Pires, one of Portugal’s most distinguished cultural figures, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Helena Vaz da Silva European Award for Raising Public Awareness on Cultural Heritage. We do not own it — we serve it, and in doing so, we find our place within humanity’s shared story.”Maria João Pires reacted to the honor by stating, “Having an award means having an honor. A passionate educator, she has dedicated much of her life to projects that bring music into the heart of communities. It can transform lives, restore dignity, and build bridges between people who may never otherwise meet.”The Helena Vaz da Silva Award joins an illustrious list of recognitions Pires has received throughout her career. In 1989, she became the first musician to win Portugal’s Pessoa Prize, one of the country’s highest cultural honors.