France awards Etienne Charles prestigious Chevelier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal

International jazz sensation Etienne Charles was awarded the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the order of Arts and Letters) on the 20th of November by Raphael Trapp, Consul General of France in Miami.

Consul General Trapp made the following remarks during the award ceremony in Miami:

“Tonight we recognize Etienne with one of France’s most distinguished honors, the title of Chevalier Des Artes et Des Lettres. This award was created in 1957 by the founder of the French Ministry of Culture. It is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of the arts, not only in France, but across the world. Etienne Charles embodies this spirit in every way. Dear Etienne, you were born in Trinidad, and you carry rhythms, melodies and stories of your heritage with talent and grace. You are a gifted trumpeter, a composer, a storyteller and an entertainer. You dedicate your life to uncover the narratives of marginalized communities and to shed light on the interconnectedness of our global cultures….Through crusading rhythms and vivid melodies, you connect the African diaspora to its roots, while creating music that is both a tribute to tradition and a bold step towards modernity.”

Trapp went on to say, “Your artistry goes far beyond performance. Indeed, your commitment to education and cultural preservation is equally inspiring. As a Professor at the University of Miami, Frost school of music, and through residencies and workshops worldwide, you have mentored the next generation of artists while deepening audiences understanding of music's power to unite. Your dedication extends to your homeland of Trinidad, where you have formed carnival bands that revived the past 10 traditions of vintage Calypso and Soca. Your 2013 album, Creole Soul beautifully illustrates the shared heritage of the French Caribbean and the broader Creole world, blending jazz with influences from Martinique, Guadeloupe and beyond. This is also particularly obvious in your latest album, Creole Orchestra. Moreover, your work with communities from children's homes to schools and prisons, exemplifies your belief in music as a force for social uplift and transformation. 

Dear Etienne, your art, written in a deep respect for heritage while being innovative, aligns with the values France holds dearly and it is truly a privilege to honor your contribution to the arts in your role as a bridge, as a bridge between countries. So dear Etienne, for all those reasons in the name of the Republic of France I confer on you the title - Chevalier des Artes et des Lettres.”

“I’m overcome with gratitude and humility for this recognition. It’s incredibly warming to be celebrated by France for my work and I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve presented me over the years of my career” said Mr. Charles about the award.

Etienne has been having a blockbuster year starting with his groundbreaking Road March in Concert performance followed by the World Premiere of his Climate project, Earth Tones, the release of his chart topping album Creole Orchestra (7 weeks at #1) with sold out shows at Jazz at Lincoln Center in June for Caribbean Heritage Month. He also had world premieres commissioned by University of Alabama Birmingham Wind Symphony and the Airmen of Note.   In June, he was promoted to Professor of Studio Music & Jazz at University of Miami Frost School of Music, further solidifying his stance as an academic scholar and pedagogue in addition to his decorated resume as a touring artist.  

In August, he became the inaugural Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy Frost School of Music Summer Caribbean Intensive.  The program welcomes music students from the world’s top conservatories and schools of music and dedicates two weeks to performing Caribbean music.

A dedicated culturalist, Etienne has put his stamp on Trinidad Carnival reviving the tradition of Live Brass on the road. For Carnival 2025, Etienne is collaborating with Trinidad born, internationally renowned visual artist Miles Regis to present Folklore. This will be Etienne’s seventh year bringing live brass mas on the streets Carnival Monday in Trinidad.