--- title: "The 34th \"Maria Bieșu\" Festival opened with \"Lucia di Lammermoor\"" url: https://moldova1.md/p/84747/the-34th-maria-biesu-festival-opened-with-lucia-di-lammermoor- published: 2026-09-07T06:00:55Z language: en author: "Silvia Dorogan" section: "Culture" source: moldova1.md --- # The 34th "Maria Bieșu" Festival opened with "Lucia di Lammermoor" > Love, jealousy, disappointment, suffering, and a tragic ending are all core themes in the opera 'Lucia di Lammermoor.' This production opened the 34th edition of the 'Maria Biesu' International Opera and Ballet Festival on Sunday evening. The festival has established itself as a prominent highlight of the musical landscape in the Republic of Moldova, featuring 30 artists from 15 countries in Chișinău. They will perform alongside the artistic ensembles of the 'Maria Biesu' National Opera and Ballet Theatre (TNOB). [Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/e__li_mRwEA) Love, jealousy, disappointment, suffering, and a tragic ending are all core themes in the opera 'Lucia di Lammermoor.' This production opened the 34th edition of the 'Maria Biesu' International Opera and Ballet Festival on Sunday evening. The festival has established itself as a prominent highlight of the musical landscape in the Republic of Moldova, featuring 30 artists from 15 countries in Chișinău. They will perform alongside the artistic ensembles of the 'Maria Biesu' National Opera and Ballet Theatre (TNOB). ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/42198c37-053d-44f5-a995-de00d1029425.jpg) ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/2312f83b-02b5-4d23-a93e-2a246b0581ce.jpg) The atmosphere of the classical music festival was palpable from the moment we entered the theater. Artistic director Cristian Spătaru welcomed the audience by playing the piano, while ballet artists greeted the attendees in a unique manner. "In the tumultuous and fast-paced life we live, we must pause and make time for culture and opera." "I came for opera, to find peace of mind." "The theater, opera, and ballet nourish my soul." "I have attended since the first edition and enjoyed a wonderful connection with Maria Bieşu during her time with us. She was a great performer who left a significant mark on the evolution of our musical culture, as well as Romanian musical culture in general", said academician Valeriu Matei. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/5c08004f-6cb9-4597-b319-e637abc0db99.jpg) "Lucia di Lammermoor," the renowned tragedy by Gaetano Donizetti, premiered on September 26, 1835, in Naples and has since become a staple in the repertoires of the world's most prestigious opera houses. The Chisinau Opera House staged it for the first time in 1993, and this year, Italian director Paolo Bosisio presents a new interpretation of this musical masterpiece, conducted by Maestro Nicolae Dohotaru. “Although we begin with a dramatic opera, this work reflects elements of our daily lives. Not only does 'Lucia di Lammermoor' have a tragic ending, but many operas do as well, as they relate to life, relationships, historical events, and more. Music and dramaturgy are essential,” says Nicolae Dohotaru, General Director of TNOB "Maria Biesu." ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/4fc8efda-cab2-4197-b220-07cd47b3e594.jpg) The drama of the unhappy lovers, Lucia and Edgardo, was performed on stage for the festival guests by Romanian artists Lorena Mărginean and Paul Lungu. "I have sung this role both in Galaţi and at the Bucharest festival, and each time it evokes new emotions. I worked wonderfully with all the departments of this incredible theater, and the rehearsals went very smoothly," says soprano Lorena Mărginean. "I am performing in the opening show of this festival, 'Maria Bieşu,' which has a great international reputation. This role is challenging both emotionally and vocally," adds tenor Paul Lungu. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/87a5728b-ea69-4b48-9a8a-750787862187.jpg) ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/fa1b9ebe-79ae-4618-9fe6-18420c4cc7fc.jpg) The festival's 34th edition will showcase 11 opera and ballet performances, concluding on October 11 with the traditional gala concert.