WORLD-RENOWNED MUSICIAN RECEIVES ESTONIAN STATE DECORATION
18.12.2008
Estonian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Margus Laidre presented a world-renowned guitarist, composer and record producer Robert Fripp with the Order of the Cross of St Mary’s Land 4th Class at the Estonian Embassy in London on Wednesday 17 December 2008.
The high Estonian state decoration was bestowed on the distinguished musician on the eve of the Estonian 90th Anniversary by the Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves for widening cultural horizons through his music and developing Estonian-British cultural contacts.
Robert Fripp performed his solo project Churchscapes in several Estonian churches as part of the Estonian Jazz Festival. According to the musician the performances he gave in Estonia were one of the highlights of his long professional career. „The five Churchscape performances in Estonia were exceptional and remarkable. The audiences listened, “ he said.
Ambassador Laidre has described Fripp’s music as a rare phenomenon in today’s world. „Even as a grown-up Fripp dares to open up the most sensitive parts of his heart and soul, which makes him very vulnerable in front of the often, too cruel and too greedy world around us, “ he said. „Robert Fripp has preserved the ability of breaking the frames as his artistry is continuously seeking new ways how to express himself, “ Laidre added.
Robert Fripp is best known for being the guitarist for, and only constant member of, the progressive rock band King Crimson, but he has also worked with Brian Eno, David Sylvian, the Orb, Thomas Feldmann and The Future Sound of London. Fripp was also ranked 42nd on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"
