Vladimir Ashkenazy, Conductor Laureate of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, is awarded the Grand Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon by the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, at Bessastaðir, the official presidential residence. Ashkenazy has made an invaluable contribution to Icelandic musical life, as a pianist, conductor, and organiser, and today he is both Conductor Laureate of the ISO, and Honorary President of the Reykjavík Arts Festival. 

In November 2018, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Ashkenazy will undertake a three-week tour to Japan, introducing Iceland and Icelandic culture as well as celebrating the decade-long collaboration between Ashkenazy and the ISO.