Raymond Pauls to Receive Royal Award: The State Recognized the Achievements of the Maestro 0 10

The President of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, was present, who announced him as the recipient of the highest award of the Republic of Latvia just a day later!

"Now I am a robot!"

As is known, in January, the Republic will celebrate Raymond Pauls' 90th birthday. It is a venerable age - neither Pauls' idol Jacques Loussier nor Michel Legrand lived to this age, both of whom played until the end. Pauls joked: "I will play until I fall off this stool!" (pointing to the bench by the piano). By the way, he did fall once - 22 years ago. Fortunately, it was at home, and his wonderful wife Lana was nearby, who urgently called an ambulance.

And it is no secret that at the age of 68, the great musician had a pacemaker installed. After that, the classic joked again: "Now I am a robot!".

For two years now, the Maestro, who has experienced the loss of his wife, has been using a cane gifted to him by his granddaughters. Granddaughters Anna-Maria and Monika returned to Latvia, followed by their daughter Anete, a former diplomat. They surround the Maestro with warmth and care.

Virus Season

A day before October 11, it was announced that for technical reasons, the concert of Pauls and artist Andris Keišs, "Men in Their Prime," which was to take place at the Daile Music House, was postponed. A week later, it was announced that the concert "Shakespeare. Sonnets. Pauls | Busulis | Keišs" was also postponed to November. Naturally, the public was concerned. The first to call the Maestro's phone were journalists from Privātā Dzīve, and the call was answered by an unnamed lady. It was Anna Pauls, who said that the Maestro needed peace at that moment.

In turn, the head of Daile, Anda Zadovska, stated that there was no reason for concern: "It is now autumn and the season of viruses. The Maestro is just a bit unwell. He is already of an advanced age, so let’s show respect and understanding." She added that the concerts were indeed postponed to November, not canceled.

A couple of days later, a short video appeared on the Instagram page of television journalist Arnis Krauze: the Maestro in a home suit sits at the piano and plays an old melody with young colleague Matis Žilinskis, who is recovering. "Where does the Maestro draw energy and inspiration now?" Arnis wrote. "Of course, at the piano! It was especially nice to see the Master at the piano again after a short recovery break. Wishing him good health!".

Officially and Unofficially

Then unverified rumors emerged, picked up by the Russian press, that Raimonds Voldemarovich had undergone surgery. Moreover, the musician himself informed the Latvian press in a phone conversation: "I am in the hospital. It is hard for me to talk, I cannot. I had surgery. I am now recovering my strength."

But these words can be interpreted in two ways - the composer indeed had surgery, but last year - cataract removal. Perhaps the Maestro was referring to this rather common issue among elderly people.

What is certain is that on January 3, while talking to the author of "SEODNYA" in a café of Latvian Radio, where the Maestro is brought almost every day (it’s a two-minute drive from his home with a personal chauffeur), he said, pointing to his eyes: "I can’t read - my eyes...". It should also be noted that Daile representatives initially said that the Maestro had caught a cold, which, however, is also very unpleasant at such an age.

Be that as it may, on Saturday, October 25, the Maestro arrived an hour before the concert of Shakespeare's sonnets at the Daile Theater, rehearsed, and Andris Keišs immediately posted a video with the classic on social media. After the concert, official photographs were taken - the concert was attended by the President of Latvia, Rinkēvičs, who was photographed with the Maestro by a photographer from the presidential office.

Meeting with the President

After the applause subsided, the head of state went to the café, where in five minutes the outstanding director Varis Brasla, Andris Keišs, and Intars Busulis arrived. A minute later, the Maestro came with a cane. A friendly conversation and tastings of water, juices, and pastries took place. Latvian television was present.

"We were all worried when the news of minor health problems came, " said Rinkēvičs. "But today at the concert, seeing this energy and smile, I wish him creativity and many concerts that energize him. Each of his performances is a significant event. We will soon celebrate 100 years."

After a while, granddaughter Anna announced on social media to watch the evening news: "There will be a very important announcement, something that happens once in a lifetime!". However, there was no need to wait for television news - half an hour before the broadcast, the office of the President of Latvia announced that for his outstanding and lasting contribution to music and Latvia, Raymond Pauls would be awarded the Order of the Three Stars of the highest - first degree. During state holiday celebrations, he will be elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Three Stars.

Let Them Envy!

It is important to note a significant nuance - according to diplomatic protocol, the luxurious order and the powerful gold chain that accompanies this award are usually awarded only to heads of foreign states, kings, and queens. Less frequently - to leading diplomats of the world and important military figures. Such an award to a musician is a rare exception!

"I was informed about this at a time when my only consolation was that I was still alive," Pauls said with his usual humor. "To spite Keišs or Busulis, I will definitely hang the order so they can see that a simple Latvian has such an award. They will express their remarks, all envy will come out in full force. Cool!"

So, expect new concerts from the Maestro in November, as well as the award ceremony, which will take place on November 18 at the Riga Castle (there will be a live broadcast) - on the day of the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. And in January, during the anniversary of the great classic, concerts will take place (all tickets have long been sold out, of course), in which his melodies with English lyrics will be performed by Broadway star Sheyna Steel along with Kremerata Baltica and the Latvian Radio Big Band.

"After the unique, epic performance at the Rīgas Ritmi festival 2025, we are preparing for a concert dedicated to honoring the creativity of Maestro Raymond Pauls. The January concert will be special, as we will celebrate the Maestro's 90th anniversary and make a concert recording. It is an incredible honor to be part of preserving his legacy, and I look forward to returning to beautiful Riga," said Sheyna Steel.