Bulgarian President grants prestigious The Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius to Valery Gergiev

World-famous conductor Valery Gergiev receives First-degree Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius from Bulgarian president Rumen Radev, TASS reports. The head of Bulgaria underlined that Gergiev receives this order for an outstanding achievements in art and culture, and for the significant contribution in promoting cultural ties between Russia and Bulgaria.

"It is a genuine pleasure and honor to award Mr Gergiev with The Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius for his outstanding achievements in art and culture, and the significant contribution in promoting cultural ties between our countries." said Rumen Radev during the ceremony. He has also called Valery Gergiev one of the major and the most requested artists in contemporary music world.

Rumen Radev has marked that famous conductor keeps in touch with Bulgarian musicians, despite all political complications.

Mariinsky Theater orchestra under Valery Gergiev have played Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaniniv in Sofia the day before the awarding ceremony.

Let us remember, Valery Gergiev with his orchestra has started Music Weeks in Sofia last spring. It was the first performance of the Mariinsky Theater orchestra in 45 years. Right after that Gergiev was granted with Presidential Badge of Honor by the head of Bulgaria.

Russkiy Mir