President Nicolae Timofti handed over the “Order of the Republic” to Romanian panpipe player and composer Gheorghe Zamfir on November 4, IPN reports, quoting the presidential press service.

This highest state award was conferred on Master Zamfir by a presidential decree of May 15, 2013 in gratitude for his special contribution to developing the musical art and to promoting the values of the national culture and for prodigious activity.

The head of state expressed his admiration for the works of the Romanian artist, wishing him health and new professional accomplishments. For his part, Gheorghe Zamfir thanked Nicolae Timofti for the award.

“As a result the first five concerts I held in Chisinau in 1990, on my way from exile to the country, I remained very attached to the people from here. Those were ten days of tears, emotions and hope, alongside the most illustrious people of culture, led by the great late poet Grigore Vieru. You can always count on my soul, spirit and human contribution, Mister President,” stated Gheorghe Zamfir.

Gheorghe Zamfir is the author of over 300 folklore, chamber, choral, vocal, instrumental and symphonic works. He sold over 120 million discs all over the world and has more than 160 albums and over 100 gold and platinum discs, alongside numerous international awards and honors.