Jacobs School of Music

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Menahem Pressler, a distinguished professor in the Indiana University School of Music, was presented with the Commandeur in the Order of Arts and Letters award, France's highest cultural honor, by French Counsul General Richard Barbeyron in a special ceremony Saturday evening (Sept. 17).

Distinguished Professor of Music Menahem Pressler is congratulated by Indiana University School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards. They are joined on the stage of the Musical Arts Center by IU Bloomington Chancellor Kenneth Gros Louis (left) and French Counsul General Richard Barbeyron (right).

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The award ceremony was held in the Musical Arts Center before the School of Music's 2005-06 season-opening concert by the IU Philharmonic Orchestra and Professor of Violin Jaime Laredo.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists and writers, and people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and around the world.

Pressler has been honored with Chamber Music America's Distinguished Service Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Gramophone magazine, the Gold Medal of Merit from the National Society of Arts and Letters, and the German Critics "Ehrenurkunde" award. He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2000.

An earlier news release announcing the award is available at http://info.music.indiana.edu/news/page/normal/2093.html.

For more about events and happenings at the IU School of Music go to http://www.music.indiana.edu/.

Menahem Pressler addresses the audience after receiving the Commandeur in the Order of Arts and Letters award. French Counsul General Richard Barbeyron is pictured on the left.

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