Maria Bieșu Festival: Verdi's 'Otello' highlights Moldova's culture
The International Opera and Ballet Festival "Maria Bieșu" returns for its 32nd edition, continuing its legacy as a symbol of cultural life in the Republic of Moldova.
Over the years, this festival has become a hallmark of the autumn musical season, and Teleradio-Moldova serves as the primary media partner for this esteemed event.
This year's festival will open with Giuseppe Verdi's renowned opera, "Otello," a pinnacle of Italian opera. Maestro Nicolae Dohotaru, who previously collaborated with Maria Bieșu, will conduct the symphonic orchestra. His deep understanding of the effort and passion that Bieșu invested in maintaining the autumn musical tradition will be evident in the performance.
"This event is one of the most significant in the cultural calendar of the Republic of Moldova, given the high level of our Opera and Ballet Theater," states Nicolae Dohotaru, General Director of TNOB. "It has garnered acclaim in numerous countries worldwide. This year's edition features 24 artists from 14 different countries."
The seamless execution of the festival will be ensured by the dedicated team at our opera house. "Rehearsals for the festival began on August 8. We have two ensembles ready for the performances and are only waiting for the guests to join us for productions such as 'Otello,' 'Bohema,' 'Carmen,' and 'Norma,'" notes Rodica Picireanu, soloist and opera director at TNOB.
"Behind the scenes, dozens of people work tirelessly to ensure that the artists shine on stage and that the audience leaves with the impression that our Opera and Ballet Theater is on par with any major opera house worldwide," affirms Iurie Matei, Ethnic Director at TNOB.
The festival has been a major cultural event since 1990, when it was initiated by the late prima donna Maria Bieșu. Her vision was to unite people and establish Chișinău as a capital of classical music. "This event acts as a showcase for the Republic of Moldova, occurring annually and without fail," states Andrei Chistol, Secretary of State and Minister of Culture.
"This year, as tradition dictates, we will host a performance of the opera 'Carmen' on September 19. Conductor Tiberiu Soare and soloists Ramona Zaharia and Alexandru Constantin will take the stage. We invite the public to attend all performances," adds Monica Babuc, Director at ICR "Mihai Eminescu."
The International Opera and Ballet Festival "Maria Bieșu" will run from September 8 to 29. During the intermissions of the opera and ballet performances, spectators will have the opportunity to view an international watercolour exhibition in the theatre lobby.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
