Chisinau's Philharmonic: Five years in ruins, but hope lives on
It’s been five years since a fire destroyed the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic.
Since then, the artistic ensembles have moved their rehearsals and concerts to the Palace of the Republic, but they haven't given up hope that their "Temple of Music" will rise again. Some of the musicians return to the ruins of the old Philharmonic, where classical music echoes daily—a sign that its spirit lives on.
Since the Philharmonic burned down, composer Marian Stârcea has had a morning ritual: he comes to the devastated building and turns on music.
"For almost five years, every day at 10 a.m., I've played music here. I installed the system myself, spending my own money on the equipment. I can't be indifferent. The Philharmonic is a part of who we are, it must continue to exist, and it must always be in the public eye," said Marian Stârcea, the artistic director of the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic.
Musical instruments, the library, and sheet music were all destroyed by the flames.
"The losses are beyond repair, including many works by our composers: Leonid Gurov, Solomon Lobel, Vasile Zagorschi, Alexei Stârcea," mentioned Marian Stârcea.
After the disaster, the state broadcaster, Moldova 1, filmed a rehearsal of the "Folclor" Orchestra for pan flute player Vasile Iovu's 75th birthday concert. The musicians were joined by other artists who cherish him and long for the Philharmonic.
"When I see what’s left of the Philharmonic—just ruins—it's sad, very painful. But there's hope it will be rebuilt. The Palace of the Republic took us in. We feel quite good here. Well, it’s not exactly home. The Philharmonic was our home," emphasized Vasile Iovu.
"I miss the Philharmonic dearly because my first professional solo concert was there. It was a prestigious stage and hall; everyone dreamed of performing there," said People's Artist Nicolae Glib.
"The aura was different there, the energy was different. It's very painful that our Philharmonic is still in ruins and hasn't risen again, as the saying goes, like the Phoenix," stated People's Artist Silvia Goncear.
"There's no clear outlook, but we haven't given up hope that it will be rebuilt on that very spot, on Varlaam Street. We rehearse and perform at the Palace of the Republic, but we all want to go home. We want a modern, technically equipped home with good instruments, but we also want the spirit of the old Philharmonic to return," said Svetlana Bivol, director of the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic.
Five years ago, the building of the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic was destroyed by fire, with 3,500 square meters left in ruins. Following an international competition, a German architect’s project was chosen, and the Ministry of Culture is negotiating a preferential loan with the European Investment Bank for a feasibility study and the next design phase.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
