The achetier has been honoured by the French government for his contribution to stringed instrument making and playing

Benoît Rolland

Bow maker Benoît Rolland has been named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government in recognition of his contribution to stringed instrument making and playing.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established to recognise significant contributions to French arts and literature. Each year the body names up to 20 Commanders, 60 Officers and 200 Knights.

MacArthur Fellow Rolland has made bows for musicians including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lynn Harrell, Miriam Fried, Kim Kashkashian, Christian Tetzlaff and Julia Fischer.

This year's Chevaliers also include violinists Nemanja Radulović and Dominique 'Solrey' Lemonnier, violinist and conductor Gilbert Bezzina,  Paris Conservatoire violin professor Sylvie Gazeau and double bassist Joëlle Léandre.

Photo: Benoît Rolland with violist Kim Kashkashian