The message reads, in part:
“You are celebrated as a brilliant gifted artist and are rightfully considered a star of Russian and world opera. Your unique voice, hard work, unparalleled artistic temperament and charm brought you success and won you the highest professional recognition and affection of your audiences.
I would like to specially note your multifaceted teaching, educating and mentoring endeavors, your sincere care for preserving the legendary traditions of the music performing arts which have always been our nation’s pride.”
Zurab Sotkilava, National Artist of the USSR and Georgian SSR, soloist in the Paliashvili Georgian Opera (1964–74) and the Bolshoi Theater (since 1974), also performed at La Scala Opera House of Milan (1966–68), Covent Garden of London and at the Semperoper of Dresden.