The French government has given the singer the National Order of Arts and Letters. Stacey Kent (pictured, right), who is also very popular here at JazzRadio and who was performing in Berlin about a year or so ago, received this prestigious award from the French Cultural Minister Christine Albanel. The Chevalier des Arts et Lettres is an award honoring artistic achievements. In her honorific speech, Albanel described the Franco-Canadian singer who was also nominated for a Grammy this year for her last album, as a painter of feelings. Her shows are captivating and at the same time intellectual and soulful. Hers is a shining, unique talent.

Among former award winners are Rudolf Nureyev, Philip Glass, and Yohji Yamamoto. Kent has always had a special affinity for France. Her next album, due for release next fall, will be in French. Kent is currently on tour in Europe where she performs at the Liège Festival in Belgium (May 8th), at the Cambridge Arts Theatre (May 17th), and in Lyon on May 26th among others before she returns to New York's Birdland for a string of performances (June 2-6).