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Speaking at the reception, President Vladimir Putin said that Mr Rostropovich’s jubilee is a big event not only in Russian but in world cultural life. People call Mr Rostropovich a Man of the World, but he has deep feelings for Russia and loves his country, Mr Putin said, adding that though many people in positions of power love Mr Rostropovich’s work, his real strength lies in the love ordinary people have for him.

The President said that not only is Mr Rostropovich an outstanding musician, but he has also been involved in philanthropic work over the last 25 years.

Mr Rostropovich was awarded the Order for Services to the Fatherland I class at the reception.