Ton Koopman receives French honours

Conductor and organist Ton Koopman has been honoured by the French Ministry of Culture with Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres. The Bach specialist and festival founder received the honorary title at a celebration in the Dordogne town of Cherval on Sunday (25 August).

Koopman, who was previously awarded the Chevalier des Arts et de Lettres, received his new title from former French ambassador to the Netherlands Bernard de Montferrand. He receives the honour in recognition of his ‘significant contributions to the arts and literature, in particular the enrichment of French cultural heritage’ through founding the Itinéraire Baroque Festival.

Accepting the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, Koopman said: ‘I am greatly honoured to receive this award from the French government in recognition of our work establishing this special festival. Périgord Vert is perhaps lesser known than the more famous Dordogne valley with its majestic castles and strategic crusader fortresses. These smaller villages on rivers dotted across the countryside, many inhabited since prehistoric times, have a quieter, intimate charm. We started the festival to open up the doors of these Romanesque churches and fill them with music. 23 years on, I am delighted that the festival has grown and become a regular fixture in the summer calendar, attracting visitors from far and wide.’

Koopman founded Itinéraire Baroque with local psychiatrist Robert Huet, performing as harpsichordist, organist and conductor and bringing his Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir to the region. This summer’s festival offered 41 concerts in four days across the region’s Romanesque churches and heritage venues alongside a new education project and its annual pilgrimage circuit of taster concerts.

Set to celebrate his 80^th birthday in October, Koopman marks his 80th year with a European tour performing three Handel oratorios.