“Fanfara Argintie” Festival turns Soroca into folk music capital
Soroca Municipality has become the capital of folk music and traditions. The latest edition of the "Fanfara Argintie" ("Silver Brass Band") festival brought together 15 instrumental groups from the Republic of Moldova and beyond the Prut. The event kicked off with a parade through the city's main streets. At the same time, the "Grigore Vieru" Park hosted a Folk Craftsmen Fair, where artisans from various regions, including Ukraine, showcased their authentic works.
Dressed in national costumes, the instrumentalists paraded to the applause of the spectators. Fifteen brass bands from across the country and beyond the Prut performed on the festival stage.
“We are the 'Plai Natal' brass band from the town of Rezina, and we have been active for almost 20 years. This is our fifth participation in the 'Fanfara Argintie' festival. This year, we are presenting a program that includes folk songs, classical music, and marches with a national theme, as per the regulations,” one member stated.
“We come from Iași and are distinguished by the melodies of our ancestors. We strive to preserve the traditional songs as a tribute to them and to delight our audience,” another band member added.
“I am very happy that two brass bands from Iași are participating in the Fanfara Argintie: one from the Center for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditions and the other from Scobiti. Soroca holds significant importance in the history of our nation. Through this festival, we aim to highlight Soroca and establish it as the cultural capital of the Republic of Moldova,” said Costel Alexe, the president of the Iași County Council.
According to the organizers, the festival’s goal is to promote and celebrate this musical genre while encouraging young performers to continue the tradition of brass bands.
“This event is organized by the Soroca District Council every two years. Through it, we promote cultural values, reminding ourselves of our identity and the values we pass on from generation to generation,” explained Veaceslav Rusnac, the president of the Soroca district.
Amidst the fanfares, visitors enjoyed an exhibition featuring works by several folk artisans at a fair organized in Soroca Park. The exhibition showcased folk costumes, ceramics, braids, and other creations inspired by the national cultural heritage.
“We come from Botoșani, and we are the Ivanușca family. We brought decorative fabrics for home interiors, made using both vertical and horizontal looms,” they shared.
“We travel every year from Iampol, Ukraine, and we are glad to be invited. We’re always warmly welcomed. I specialize in creating national objects on small table stands”, another artisan said.
“I brought works I created myself. People come, buy, and inquire about my pieces. Some are familiar faces who know when I’ll be here, and I take orders from them. My work often goes abroad, with about half remaining in the country and half going overseas,” one more artist mentioned.
The National Fanfare Festival-Competition "Fanfara Argintie" has now reached its 17th edition.
