They were awarded the order - the highest civil honor - for their contribution to the Latvian state and excellent artistic performance in classical music and opera.
Conductor Andris Nelsons received the prestigious Grammy Award in the Best Orchestral Performance category in February, while Opolais, his spouse, was nominated in the category of Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.
President @Vejonis awarded the Order of the Three Stars to @andris_nelsons and @KristineOpolais for their special merit in favour of Latvia. pic.twitter.com/ij6xVd1gAM
— Valsts prezidents (@Rigas_pils) October 19, 2016
Triju Zvaigžņu ordeņi pasniegti diriģentam Andrim Nelsonam un operdziedātājai Kristīnei Opolais. https://t.co/JbU53Jnhka pic.twitter.com/dAifa4qrwf
— LTV Panorama (@ltvpanorama) October 18, 2016
Congratulations poured in from fans and collaborators alike.
Congrats to @BostonSymphony Music Director @andris_nelsons on his appointment to Latvia's “Order of the Three Stars”. A great honour!
— Toronto Symphony (@TorontoSymphony) October 19, 2016
Nelsons is one of the most sought-after conductors in the world and music director at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, while Opolais is one of the most successful Latvian singers and is routinely praised in international media for her performances.
