Tan Dun Honored by the French Ministry of Culture

Tan Dun, Oscar-winning composer and dean of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, has been awarded the title of Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, in recognition of his contributions to global culture and the arts. Dun has long been celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to music, which seamlessly blends classical, multimedia, and traditional Chinese musical traditions. “This honor is not just for me,” Dun said. “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.” The award was conferred to him at a ceremony in December, which also coincided with Dun’s highly anticipated concert, Échos des grottes de Mogao, Musiques de la dynastie Tang, a musical exploration of the ancient sounds of Dunhuang, China. Inspired by the powerful groundbreaking musical history discovered in the Dunhuang murals from the fourth to fourteenth centuries, Dun spent two years locating, visiting, researching, and documenting lost musical manuscripts for this unique musical reconstruction.

Post Date: 01-07-2025