The message reads, in part:
“You are recognised in Russia and globally as an outstanding conductor and head of one of the world’s leading musical theatres, as well as an extraordinary, creative and committed person. With your multifaceted and much sought-after work you have been enriching Russian art, making a unique contribution to the preservation of our country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage and to the development of the traditions of selflessness and charity.”
Valery Gergiev works with world famous philharmonic and symphony orchestras. From 1995 until 2008, the maestro served as principal conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, from 2007 to 2015, as chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and from autumn 2015, has been Head of the Munich Philharmonic.
Valery Gergiev’s music and public activities have earned three State Prizes of the Russian Federation, the titles of the National Artist and Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation, and state decorations of Armenia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, France and Japan.