American singer-songwriter Paul Simon and French-born Chinese American cellist Yo-Yo Ma have been awarded the 2012 Polar Music Prize, which is Sweden�s most prestigious music award.
The award means Simon and Ma will collect 1 million SEK ($166,000) each and an invitation to the prize ceremony in Stockholm held on August 28. The award was founded by the late Stig Anderson, the manager of ABBA, and has been handed out since 1992. It is usually shared by a pop artist and a classical musician.

The prize jury called Ma the �leading cellist of our time,� saying that he is �living proof that music is communication, passion and the ability to share experience.� More information on the French-born Chinese American cellist: www.yo-yoma.com
Meanwhile, Simon was praised as a �world-class songwriter�, with �consummate skill, innovative arrangements and provocative lyrics.�
Simon's career began as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel in 1964 with musical partner Art Garfunkel. After they split up in 1970, Paul Simon began a successful solo career. More information on the singer-songwriter: www.paulsimon.com

Follow this link for more info on the prestigious Polar Music Prize