Stephen Sondheim has won more Tony Awards than anyone else in his field.

Now the Broadway composer and lyricist has received one of the top honours in the arts world – the Edward MacDowell Medal for lifetime achievement.

It is the first time it has been awarded for achievement in musical theatre.

Sondheim’s hit musicals include ”Follies,” ”A Little Night Music” and ”Sweeney Todd.”

Past recipients include Robert Frost and Georgia O’Keefe.

The award was presented at the MacDowell Colony, the prestigious retreat for artists, writers and composers in Peterborough New Hampshire.