"To find a genuine virtuoso who is also a genuine musician is a rare and wonderful thing," Previn said. "Roman Patkol‹ is both, and on the double bass he can only be compared to a Paganini of our time."

The Slovakian-born Patkol‹ lives in Germany, where he studied at the University of Theatre and Music in Munich. He has performed with ensembles such as the Russian Camerata of Moscow and won prizes in competitions including the International Society of Bassists International Competition and the J. M. Sperger International Double Bass Competition.

Previn has received a commission from the Circle of Friends of the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation, which provided Patkol‹ with a vintage double bass in 1999, to create a work in order to expand the original repertoire for double bass. Previn's Double Concerto for violin, double bass, and orchestra will have its world premiere with the Boston Symphony Orchestra on April 19, 2007, with Patkol‹ and Mutter as soloists and Previn conducting.

Both Previn and Patkol‹ will receive their honors and prices—C$50,000 for Previn and C$10,000 for Patkol‹—at a ceremony in Toronto on September 25, Gould's birthday.