The message reads, in part:
“Our country has rightfully been renowned for its remarkable legacy of exceptional teachers, mentors, and educators who have devoted their lives to the vital and noble mission of nurturing the younger generation. Viktor Popov, the founder and director of the Big Children’s Choir of Central Television and All-Union Radio Service, was one such passionate and dedicated figure. Thanks to his inspiration, boundless creative energy, and profound generosity of spirit, the legendary Big Children’s Choir achieved global recognition and became a cherished haven for talented, driven boys and girls. It is heartening to see that today, alongside the current choir members, alumni from previous years and children’s choirs from various regions of Russia will come together to perform at the State Kremlin Palace.”