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The Berkeley Community Fund has announced that Berkeley Symphony Orchestra conductor Kent Nagano has been selected as the recipient of this year's Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal. 

The prestigious medal has been awarded since 1929 to individuals selected for outstanding nonpartisan service in any field benefiting a significant number of Berkeley residents. 

President of the BCF Board Narsai David said "Kent has put Berkeley on the international musical map and has given us a cultural dimension that many larger cities envy.'' 

Under Nagano's leadership, the symphony has strengthened community ties through its Music Education Program. The program is a six-week residency of the orchestra in local public elementary schools. 

New works and works-in-progress by Bay Area composers are also premiered by the symphony through the Nagano-led Under Construction program. 

Nagano is currently celebrating his 25th season with the orchestra. 

He will be presented with the award during the fund's annual awards dinner at His Lordship's restaurant in Berkeley Nov. 4. 

—Bay City News