ROME, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- American pianist and composer Keith Jarrett will be awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the next International Festival of Contemporary Music in Venice.

The decision was announced on Tuesday by the board of directors of the Biennale di Venezia organizing the event.

The 62nd edition of the International Music Festival will take place in the Italian lagoon city from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7.

"Unanimously acclaimed as one of the most important pianists in the area of improvisation and jazz music, Keith Jarrett is an artist who has experimented with extraordinary talent and creativity in various musical genres," the Biennale said in a statement.

"His endless discography bears witness to a boundless art and a unique personality in the field of jazz," it added.

Jarrett, 72, is considered one of the finest pianists and musician in the world. He started his carrier in the New York's jazz scene in 1964, and has performed as group musician and solo interpreter in jazz, fusion music involving folk and blues, and classical music.

At the awarding ceremony, Keith Jarrett would perform "one of his legendary improvisations on the piano", Ansa news agency reported, citing the Biennale's announcement.