In a telephone conversation that happened during her concert at the Grand Kremlin Palace, the President extended best wishes to the composer, People's Artist of the USSR, and recipient of several Soviet and Russian State Prizes for her 96th birthday.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Alexandra Pakhmutova. The message reads, in part: “Your eventful career and your life as a whole serve as a worthy example of dedicated service to your favourite pursuits, your people, and your Fatherland. The beautiful songs you have composed over the years of inspired work reflect brilliant chapters in the history of our vast country and the destinies of entire generations. Your penetrating melodies evoke uplifting feelings in our hearts and bestow joy and hope.”