Maria Bieșu Festival marks prima donna's 90th
The 'Maria Bieșu' International Opera and Ballet Festival will, for the first time, include a scientific and cultural conference to mark the 90th anniversary of the late prima donna's birth.
The conference took place on Tuesday at the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, where a new book was also launched. The book, "Maria Bieșu: Writings from Another Time, Life in Roles and Images" by Aurelian Dănilă, was presented to the public.
Recordings of Maria Bieșu's famous aria, Cio-Cio-San from "Madam Butterfly", were played in the Academy of Sciences' Blue Hall.
"I had the idea to do something collaborative and include this conference in the 'Maria Bieșu' Festival," said Nicolae Dohotaru, director of the National Opera and Ballet Theater. "I'd like as many people as possible, especially the younger generation, to hear and learn about her work."
Ion Tighineanu, president of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, noted that Bieșu was also an honorary member of the institution. "We remember her here, and she was a source of inspiration. She succeeded in putting the Republic of Moldova on the global map of opera music," he said.
Maria Bieșu's journey, from a girl from the countryside to the title of the world's best Cio-Cio-San, is presented in Aurelian Dănilă's new book. The author said the book was "written in a single burst of inspiration," using "what I remembered and lesser-known photos" to help people "remember who she was." He described her as a "musical star who shines not only in the Romanian space but throughout the world."
Recalling his work with her starting in 1971, director Eleonora Constantinov, a People's Artist, said Bieșu "had a natural voice; her timbre was very beautiful. She was hardworking and loved the theatre and the art."
The younger generation holds a special gratitude for the famous singer. Aglaia Mudrea, a doctoral student in opera directing, said: "Her voice remains to this day—it still echoes in our ears."
Dumitru Mîțu, a soloist at the National Opera and Ballet Theater, added: "She is a role model and, of course, a symbol not just of voice but of character, strength, and stage presence—a true creative person."
The festival will culminate on October 5 with a gala concert dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of the national opera prima donna.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
