Moldova's Maria Bieșu opera festival: 33rd edition celebrates anniversary
Maria Bieșu International Opera and Ballet Festival celebrates 90 years since the birth of the legendary soprano.
Celebrated artists from 12 countries are set to perform at Moldova's Maria Bieșu International Opera and Ballet Festival. This year's 33rd edition marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of the celebrated soprano. The festival will run from 14 September to 5 October.
The festival opens with Giuseppe Verdi's opera, Un ballo in maschera, which will feature guest artists from France, Greece and Germany.
"I am delighted to perform as Amelia for the first time at this extraordinary theatre," said German soloist Eveline Dobraceva. "I'm also thrilled with my colleagues at the Chișinău Opera and I particularly enjoy hearing the Romanian language; it is so beautiful and melodious."
The programme also features two ballet performances, Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet, with the debut of young soloists from the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Chișinău.
Cristian Spătaru, artistic director of the "Maria Bieșu" National Opera and Ballet Theatre, said: "My ballet debut here will be Romeo and Juliet, which I am very proud of. We have put a lot of hard work into it, and once again, it is all about love."
Anastasia Homițcaia, artistic director of the ballet company, said they were trying to retain artists so they didn't have to leave. "It's difficult to keep them; I believe the only people who have remained are the patriots who live and breathe for the theatre."
Four opera performances in which Maria Bieșu excelled will be presented. There will also be a number of events dedicated to the anniversary of the celebrated singer.
"We plan to organise a round table, alongside the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, titled 'Maria Bieșu: 90 Years Since Her Birth'," said Nicolae Dohotaru, general director of the "Maria Bieșu" National Opera and Ballet Theatre. "We have also invited Maestro Ion Moraru to hold an exhibition."
Sergiu Prodan, the Minister of Culture, said: "The Maria Bieșu Festival is, in fact, an important pillar supporting the image of the Republic of Moldova. At the 33rd edition, we can already speak of its maturity."
The first edition of the festival took place in September 1990, organised by the late prima donna Maria Bieșu, who succeeded in making Chișinău a capital of universal classical music. State broadcaster Moldova 1 is the official media partner for this year's festival.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
