Congratulations, dear Niurka, the president wrote on his Twitter account, and he noted that the recognition “honors your great virtuosity and dedication to world culture.”

Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso, Deputy Prime Minister Ines Maria Chapman, and institutions such as the Cuban Music Institute, the National Center for Concert Music, and diplomatic representations abroad also congratulated Gonzalez.

She received the high distinction this weekend during a concert by the Ondina Duo, which she integrates with pianist Maria del Henar Navarro, at the Minor Basilica of the Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi, in this capital.

The Knight Order of Arts and Letters was awarded to Niurka Gonzalez in recognition of her virtuosity and artistic mastery, as well as her contribution to the promotion of French culture in the world.

French Ambassador in Havana Patrice Paoli presented Gonzalez with the distinction, one of four ministerial orders granted by the French Republic.

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