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Popular singer turns 70

Medvedev and Putin congratulate Lev Leshchenko on his 70th birthday

MOSCOW, February 1 (Itar-Tass) — President Dmitry Medvededv sent a message of greetings to popular singer Lev Leshchenko who is celebrating the 70th birthday on February 1.

Lev Leshchenko is a merited singer honored with the title of People's Artist of the Soviet Union. Leshchenko is also a vocal teacher and an artistic director of The Music Agency - a state theater of variety shows.

"You are an outstanding singer, one of the bright, extraordinary people who win the audiences' recognition thanks to a bright talent and creative energy. The songs you sang gained tremendous popularity and became classical pieces in the national variety art. You also enjoy success in your pedagogical work. Many of your students have proved worthy of acclaim in the profession," Medvedev said in the message, according to the Kremlin press service.

The Russian president awarded the Order of Merit of the 2nd degree to the singer for an outstanding contribution to the development of Russian culture and variety art.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin joined nationwide congratulations to the singer. "You are by right considered one of the brightest and best acclaimed stars of variety art in Russia. For many years you have generously shared your talent with your admirers, giving them all the warmth of your heart and soul. You are setting the highest standards of singing art to young singers. Such a professional popularity and the nationwide love you enjoy is an award you well deserved for your fruitful artistic work and faithfulness to the best traditions of Russian music art, " Putin said in the message.

The singer said he was going to turn his jubilee celebration into a grandiose gala concert which will be held at the Crocus City concert hall. The First television channel will film the concert. Around 500 guests - the singer’s close friends from different cities and countries will take part in the event.

Lev Leshchenko has been on concert tours all over Russia. He released several albums with his songs. Leshchenko teaches at GITIS- the Russian academy of theater art, works as a producer, writes books and naturally, sings.

Commenting on his age, Leshchenko said he feels superb, not in the least like one might feel in the seventies. Indeed, 70 does not at all fit a young and handsome face of the singer whose soft baritone thrills the audiences as ever.