The American President, Barack Obama, has honoured the three famed artists with the highest civilian award in the US.

Itzhak Perlman, Stephen Sondheim and Barbra Streisand are among the 17 recipients of the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honour in America. President Barack Obama said in his written announcement that the winners are “men and women who have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans.”

The prestigious awards are presented each year to individuals who have made significant contributions to cultural endeavours, world peace, national interests or the security of the United States. Perlman, Sondheim and Streisand are also past recipients of the nation’s highest arts award – the National Medal of Arts.

Itzhak Perlman

Internationally renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1963 at the age of 18, and has since gone on to be one of the world’s most revered musicians. During his 42 year career he has won four Emmy Awards, 16 Grammy Awards, and the 2008 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His world-class artistry touched millions as...