The message reads, in part:
“In Russia and many other countries, you are widely known and admired as a gifted pianist and composer. Today, as in decades past, your works are performed by renowned pop artists and emerging talents alike, featured in films and theatrical productions, and continue to enjoy well-deserved popularity.”
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Raimonds Pauls was born on January 12, 1936, in Riga. He became widely known as the composer of pop hits and memorable melodies for popular Soviet films. From 1988 to 1991, he served as Minister of Culture of the Latvian SSR, and from 1991 to 1993, as Minister of Culture of Latvia. He also served as a member of the country’s parliament.