By the decree of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity our compatriot, well-known conductor and the Art Manager of the Mariinsky Theater Valery Gergiev awarded with the one of the highest rewards of the Republic of South Ossetia «Friendship Order». According to decree, maestro was rewarded for «especially fruitful activity for closing in and mutual enrichment of people’s cultures, strengthening of peace and friendly relations between States».
Valery Gergiev already has several dozens of rewards and titles. Beginning from 1 January 2007 Valery Gergiev officially became the Chief Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. On 2 may the conductor was 55.