French conductor Georges Prêtre (b. 1924). Thanks to a long collaboration, Maestro Prêtre has close associations with the world's great opera houses. In the concert field, Prêtre has conducted many eminent American and European orchestras. In 1997 Georges Prêtre received the 'Victoire de la Musique Award' as the best conductor of the year. He has also received high distinctions from France, Italy, Austria and Germany.