OREANDA-NEWS. March 20, 2008. The head of state's congratulatory telegram reads, in part:

“In the past decades your orchestra has had a glorious history in the world of performance art, and continues to capture music lovers by its skill and brilliant performance of any work, both popular folk melodies and classical pieces, no matter how complex.

Throughout the different eras of our country's history your orchestra has retained its identity and incorporated the best achievements of international musicians by giving them a unique national flavour. I am glad to see that today you are carefully preserving this precious tradition as the world's only orchestra composed of folk instruments and are rightly called the pride and heritage of Russia.”