Jane Rutter Awarded Le Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et Lettres
His Excellency Monsieur Christophe Lecourtier, Ambassador to France in Australia decorated the Australian Flutist at the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney, Australia — Australian-French Classical flutist Jane Rutter has built a stellar reputation for excellence and commitment to Flute playing in the French style. Jane’s phenomenal technique on a wide range of classical and world flutes allows her to move from classical music to spiritual mindfulness music, from improvised music to popular music with ease.
‘Chevalier de L’ordre des Arts et Lettres’ means ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’. It is an award of recognition by France for significant contributions to the Arts & Literature.
The medal was conferred by H. E Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Australia, on Friday 18 November 2016 during an exclusive concert at the Sydney Opera House. With a lifelong passion for France and French flute, Jane was awarded a prestigious French Government scholarship as a teenager (documented in her film An Australian in Paris).
“Jane embodies the best of both countries” says H.E Christophe Lecourtier, who believes that Jane has made a significant contribution to French culture.
Ms Rutter replied to a standing ovation with a charming encore ‘mashup’ of Waltzing Matilda and La Marseillaise performed on tin whistle & piccolo, accompanied by virtuoso accordionist Marcello Maio.
“As Janet Flanner said ‘Paris is the City of Revolution in Deed and Thought’, and Francis Poulenc said ‘Je suis un musicien sans etiquette‘ (I am a musician without boundaries)…When I consider what la France represents, in terms of Art, Music, Politics, Human Rights, Equality, Lyricism, Elegance, Etiquette, Culture and Freedom of Expression – my reaction to receiving the award is profound. I could not be more honoured. France and Australia have always had a special relationship: the French have had a profound intellectual and artistic effect on Australia. As a musician & communicator, it’s a thrill to personally continue this international connection and to be recognised for my work by this extraordinary country. I will always champion tolerance of artistic freedom, diverse cultural ideas and freedom of expression – which are in so many ways the legacies of La France”
– Jane Rutter
CONTACT: Interview enquiries email OFFICE AT JANERUTTER.COM
