Sir George Benjamin has been awarded the 16th annual Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Music and Opera category.

The award is handed out by the BBVA Foundation and the organization noted that Benjamin has an “extraordinary contribution and impact in contemporary creation in the realms of symphonic music, opera and chamber music.” The committee added, “Using a highly personal and distinctive language, he manages to communicate directly with the audience…with particular regard to his mastery of orchestration and tone color, and exquisite formal architecture.”

In a statement, Benjamin said, “The opera house is where I have had my most precious experiences. I find myself losing the concept of time and place, and feel entirely united with what’s happening in the music.”

Benjamin has composed several operas including “Picture a Day Like This,” which world premiered at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, “Into the Little Hill,” “Written on Skin,” and “Lessons in Love and Violence.”

In the past, the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards has been awarded to Pierre Boulez, Kaija Saariaho, Arvo Pärt, and Thomas Adès.