27 September 2026 | Photo via Instagram @romain_pissenem
The High Scream founder was recognised for a career spanning electronic music, show direction and large-scale live production
French show director and creative producer Romain Pissenem has been appointed a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, receiving one of France’s principal cultural distinctions in recognition of his contribution to the arts and electronic music.
Awarded by France’s Ministry of Culture, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, or Order of Arts and Letters, recognises people who have distinguished themselves through artistic or literary work or contributed to the influence of arts and culture in France and internationally. Pissenem received the distinction from French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Established in 1957, the order comprises three grades — Chevalier, Officier and Commandeur — with Chevalier representing its first rank.
Pissenem has built much of his career at the intersection of electronic music, large-scale live production and visual show design. Through his production company High Scream, he has worked on productions involving leading Dutch electronic artists including Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Martin Garrix and Hardwell.
His work has become particularly associated with Ibiza, where High Scream has developed productions for venues including Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, as well as the island’s newer large-scale venue UNVRS. Pissenem’s projects combine stage design, lighting, video, special effects and other production disciplines to build visual environments around electronic music performances.
Pissenem also served as show director for the electronic music section of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony at the Stade de France. The segment brought together 24 French electronic acts, including Jean-Michel Jarre, Étienne de Crécy, Cassius and Kungs, placing French electronic music at the centre of the ceremony’s closing programme.
