French jazz violinist Didier Lockwood, whose eclectic career spanned more than four decades and saw him perform at the world’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls, has died aged 62.

Lockwood’s agent, Christophe Deghelt, said in a statement on Twitter that the musician died suddenly on Sunday, a day after he performed in Paris.

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the musician he called a “friend and partner of the greatest”, who he said possessed “influence, open-mindedness and immense musical talent” that will be missed.

As a composer and an improviser while performing, Lockwood enjoyed crossing musical genres, from jazz-rock to classical. He was known for experimenting with different sounds on the electric violin.

He is survived by his wife, the French soprano Patricia Petibon, and three daughters.