Conductor Tan Dun Awarded Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture

The title was given in recognition of Dun's exceptional contributions to global culture and the arts

Chinese-American composer and conductor, and UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador, Tan Dun was given the title of Officier des Arts et des Lettres at a ceremony earlier this month. The ceremony was held at the Musée Guimetin Paris and the award was presented by Dr. Yannick Lintz, President of the museum, in the name of the French Republic, its President, and the Minister of Culture.

Having previously been named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2019, Tan Dun is one of the very few Chinese cultural figures to be given the honor of Officier des Arts et des Lettres, alongside just 140 individuals.

In his acceptance of the title, Tan Dun said, "This honour is not just for me. It is for all the artists and musicians who dedicate their lives to preserving the beauty and wisdom of our cultural heritage. Music is a bridge that connects us all."

"Tan Dun’s work epitomises the power of music as a universal language," Dr. Yannick Lintz said. "His passion for blending cultures and his dedication to preserving the ancient musical traditions of China have deeply enriched global culture. He is a true ambassador of the arts."

Tan Dun has received many of today’s most prestigious honors — including the Grammy Award, Academy Award, Bach Prize, Grawemeyer Award, Shostakovich Award, Italy’s Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement, and Istanbul Music Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2019, he was named Dean of the Bard College Conservatory of Music in addition to serving as an Artistic Ambassador of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as the Honorary Artistic director of the China National Symphony, Principal Guest conductor at Shenzhen Symphony, and Honorary Artistic Director and Chief Guest conductor of Xi´an Symphony Orchestra.