Ildar Abdrazakov has received the Russian State Prize.

The bass is receiving the prize for his work in the arts in Russia.

Abdrazakov posted a picture with dictator Vladimir Putin noting, “Friends! I want to thank everyone for the congratulations and kind words that were said to me today! I am honored to receive this high award – the State Prize – from the hands of the President of the Russian Federation. I am a happy person, I had the chance to meet brilliant people, teachers: Milyausha Galeevna Murtazina, Irina Konstantinovna Arhipova, Elena Vasilievna Obrazzova. I would like to express special gratitude to my oldest friend, mentor, great Maestro Gergiev for welcoming a young Bashkir boy from Ufa into the troupe of Mariinsky Theater and opening for him a big world of opera. I can’t help but remember my little homeland – Bashkiria. I want to thank my parents for giving me this unique musical instrument – a singing voice. I also want to thank my wife Marika, my family for their love and care. And, of course, the team of my Foundation, with whom we will have many important and interesting projects for the benefit of the young generation of artists.”

The prize continues to confirm his allegiance to the Russian Federation after having been ousted from most Western theaters. In December 2023, the bass officially endorsed Vladimir Putin for reelection in Russia and was subsequently canceled from his contracts at the Wiener Staatsoper, Paris Opera, and Zurich Opera. He, however, performed at the Ravenna Festival and is slated to return to the Teatro San Carlo next season. Abrazakov will also perform in Brazil later this month.

 

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