On May 21, 2007 Steve Reich was awarded The Polar Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. The prize was presented by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The Swedish Academy said: “…Steve Reich has transferred questions of faith, society and philosophy into a hypnotic sounding music that has inspired musicians and composers of all genres.” Each year both a classical and a pop or jazz musicians are chosen. Former winners of the Polar Prize have included Pierre Boulez, Bob Dylan, Gyorgi Ligeti and Sir Paul McCartney. This year the prize for jazz was awarded to Sonny Rollins