OREANDA-NEWS. January 24, 2013. Vladimir Putin awarded Yury Bashmet, National Artist of the USSR, artistic director and chief conductor of the Novaya Rossiya State Symphony Orchestra, the Order For Services to the Fatherland, IV degree.

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PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Good afternoon!

Mr Bashmet, it gives me great pleasure to present to you today the Order For Services to the Fatherland.

You are not only an outstanding musician and social activist involved in humanitarian efforts and helping children, but you are in the full sense of the word one of the most distinguished goodwill ambassadors of Russia around the world.

Thank you very much for your work and I wish you every success.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CHIEF CONDUCTOR OF THE NOVAYA ROSSIYA STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YURY BASHMET: Thank you very much.