Producer Alexander Cheparukhin is the first man among Russian music industry representatives honored with the WOMEX Award, the International World Music Support and Development Exhibition (World Music Expo).

The WOMEX Award was established in 1999 and has been presented to its winners only 13 times, Mr. Cheparukhin told the RIA Novosti. The producer receives the Professional Excellence Award, and there is the Artist Award as well.

Mr. Cheparukhin admitted he had been amazed by the news, especially since he had become the first man not only from Russia, but also from all over Eastern Europe to receive the Award.

“As I was informed in the letter from the Award administrators, I’ve received the prize for contribution in Russian music propaganda and for the promotion of the best world music standards in Russia,” said Mr. Cheparukhin.

The producer added, he was very pleased to get the music community recognition and he “will try to keep it up”.

 “I am happy without false modesty, as it’s happened that I’ve been working in the epicenter of the music events for the last 15-20 years and had a chance to make quite a few interesting festivals abroad with participation of Russian performers, as well as to work on events in Russia, where I've managed to invite famous musicians from around the world,” he said.

Mr. Cheparukhin will travel to Thessaloniki (Greece) in the late October to attend the Award Ceremony, where he will be presented to his prize, and to visit the World Exhibition itself that will gather around 4-5 thousand musicians and music ambassadors from all over the world.

Mr. Cheparukhin is engaged in the global promotion of several leading performers of Russian independent music scene, including Inna Zhelannaya and Huun-Huur-Tu. He also organizes Russian tours for many international artists, such as King Crimpson, Jethro Tull, KMFDM, Kraftwerk, Kronos Quartet, John McLaughlin, Michael Nyman, Philipp Glass, John Zorn, and Manu Chao.

At the present moment, Mr. Cheparukhin is a director of the Green Wave production company.