Yesterday, on 1 June, at the ceremony celebrating Italy’s National Day, held at the Estonian Concert Hall, Head of the Department of Composition and Improvisational Music Paolo Girol, was awarded the prestigious Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy). The order is bestowed by the President of the Republic of Italy, upon the recommendation of the Italian Embassy in Tallinn and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This honour, traditionally conferred upon individuals who contribute to the preservation of national prestige abroad, the strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation with other countries, and the promotion of ties with Italy, recognises Paolo’s decades of fostering educational and cultural exchanges between Italy and Estonia, as well as his role as an ambassador of Italy’s higher artistic and musical education system.

As Italy marks its 80th Republic Day today, on 2 June, Paolo’s recognition stands as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between the two countries and to the role of culture in building bridges between nations.

Congratulations!