The message reads, in part:
“Allow me to warmly greet you on your birthday and express my sincere admiration for your talent, will and stamina.
Your brilliant and generous gift, incredible commitment and limitless respect for your audience allowed you to achieve the heights of virtuosity, to earn fame as one of the outstanding baritones of our time and to win the recognition and love of music connoisseurs all over the world. And, of course, here in Russia, your homeland, we have very special warm feelings for you.”