Iranian maestro declines French honour

Iranian maestro declines French honour

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norman lebrecht

November 30, 2014

Iranian state media are reporting that the eminent composer and tar virtuoso Hossein Alizadeh has turned down the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Alizadeh, 63, a three-times Grammy winner, said it was his principle not to accept titles. ‘The art-loving people and my dear compatriots have bestowed upon me the highest honour many times,’ he said.

 

Hossein Alizadeh-refuse-French medal

Comments

  • David Pickett says:

    “Il ne suffit pas de refuser la Légion d’Honneur ; encore faut-il ne pas la mériter!” (Erik Satie)

  • Laurence Mintz says:

    Yes, except Satie said that of the infinitely greater Maurice Ravel.

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