to Jean-Yves from his countrymen:

Le VICTOIRE D’HONNEUR

- a lifetime career achievement award

February 2007 was an eventful month in the life of Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The month that saw the release of a CD album of music very dear to his heart and the bestowal of an honor of a lifetime. The award is France’s prestigious VICTOIRE D’HONNEUR which Jean-Yves received in a special award ceremony held in Paris at the historic Salle Pleyel. In fact, he opened the event with a performance of the last movement of Gershwin’s Concerto in F with a co-awardee, the Orchestre National de France. The concerto was a fitting piece, American music being the dominant theme of the evening.

Jean-Yves shared this exciting moment in a recent interview with FanFaire:

“I just received a very important and prestigious award in France. The French Grammies, called “Les Victoires de la Musique”, awarded me the “Victoire d’Honneur”, which is a lifetime career achievement!!! Usually people get it later in life. Great honor for me, and so special to have that kind of recognition from France, my own country.

“The award ceremony is annual, every year in a different city in France, and with a different orchestra. This year was particularly prestigious, being in Paris - in the beautiful, newly renovated Salle Pleyel that just reopened, and with our best orchestra the “Orchestre National de France.

“The ceremony was broadcast live on French national TV at prime time (8:30pm). I played the last movement of Gershwin’s Concerto in F with the Orchestre National de France, and gave a speech… all very emotional!”

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

CLICK HERE to read the speech. FanFaire thanks Mr. Thibaudet for graciously sharing his speech in both French and English.

Jean-Yves on the Victoire d’honneur