Pianist Matsuyev Awarded UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Diploma

Russian pianist Denis Matsuyev has been awarded a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador diploma. The diploma was awarded in Paris on Wednesday, April 2, by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.

Music affects life in many ways. Matsuyev is one of the most outstanding musicians in the modern world and his work in support of young talented people is of exceptional importance for the international culture dialogue, Bokova said at the ceremony.

Matsuyev thanked UNESCO for the award. He has come to Paris with young musicians from the New Names Foundation, of which he is the president. “I think this decision is a great honour for our foundation, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. During this time, more than 15,000 unique talented performers have gone through our system,” he said.

The title of Goodwill Ambassador is awarded to renowned actors and public figures who help to strengthen cultural ties between nations. The title has been awarded to about 50 persons, including Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo, Indian writer Madanjeet Singh, fashion designer Pierre Cardin, jazz musician Herbie Hancock, French astronaut Patrick Baudry, and actress Claudia Cardinale.