On January 12, Russian composer and producer Igor Krutoy publicly congratulated Raimonds Pauls on his 90th birthday.
In a social media post, he referred to the jubilarian as the 'main maestro of the Soviet Union' and specifically recalled a joint project that was once a symbol of summer in Jurmala – the contest-festival 'New Wave'.
"Today, the main Maestro of the Soviet Union, People's Artist of the USSR Raimonds Pauls, celebrates his 90th birthday, having created a vast number of songs that still resonate in the souls and hearts of the once great and beautiful country. To this day, every appearance of Raimonds on stage is an event; his sparkling humor with an impassive face brings joy to everyone who interacts with him. And how wonderful it is that 22 years ago, Raimonds and I created the contest-festival 'New Wave', which gave popular music many new names and songs. Dear Raimonds, I wish you health and joy; may God allow you to celebrate your 100th birthday, and then we will wish for even more. I love and greatly respect you, my elder and longtime friend!" wrote Igor Krutoy.
On his Instagram page, Maestro was also congratulated by Alla Pugacheva: "The old clock is still ticking. Happy birthday, maestro!".
