Armenian cellist Astrig Siranossian has received the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of Merit, one of France’s highest honors, during a solemn ceremony held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. She was officially appointed to the rank of Chevalier in recognition of her artistic achievements and civic commitment.
The insignia was bestowed upon the 36-year-old Armenian musician by banker and patron François Henrot, in the presence of her family, musician friends, artists, writers, travelers, perfumers, winemakers, entrepreneurs, chefs, photographers, and journalists.
“Through this gesture, the French Republic pays tribute not only to an exceptional performer, but also to a committed woman who has made music a universal language of sharing and cultural heritage,” declared Henrot in his address.
A Brilliant International Career
Born in Lyon to a family of Armenian origin, Astrig Siranossian quickly established herself as one of the most distinctive voices of her generation. A laureate of prestigious international competitions, she has performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages — from the Philharmonie de Paris to the Musikverein in Vienna and Carnegie Hall in New York — collaborating with celebrated conductors and orchestras while also pursuing a vibrant chamber music career that spans from classical to contemporary repertoire. Her critically acclaimed recordings highlight an artist who combines virtuosity, sensitivity, and depth of interpretation.
Art in the Service of Culture
Beyond her international career, Siranossian is recognized for her dedication to making music accessible to all. She leads numerous educational projects, regularly engages with young audiences, and develops initiatives that build bridges between cultures. Since 2015, she has served as Artistic Director of Les Musicades, a festival in her hometown of Romans-sur-Isère celebrating both music and the arts. In 2019, she founded the Spidak Sevane mission to support children in Lebanon and Armenia through music. She later became Artistic Director of the Adèle Clément Cello Festival in the Drôme in 2023, assumed leadership of the Nadia et Lili Boulanger Festival in Trouville in 2024, and in 2025 launched the inaugural Montrachet Jazz Festival, bringing together outstanding classical and jazz artists around wine and conviviality.
“To transmit, to remain faithful to the values I have received, to give my work the stature this distinction demands: that is my commitment. And since the title is that of knight, my cello will be the horse — the faithful steed — of all my musical battles.
But the true destination of this medal is not the lapel of a jacket: it lies in the hands of the students of the École Normale, the Conservatoire Supérieur, the children of the Démos orchestras, and those of my Spidak Sevane association. It is within them that the future rises,” said Siranossian during the ceremony.
National Recognition
Through this distinction, the French Republic honors not only an exceptional artistic career but also a profound civic commitment.
Astrig Siranossian now joins the distinguished lineage of musicians who, through their art and generosity, contribute to France’s cultural influence and its dialogue with the world.
