DescOperă Festival to take place on third weekend of June in Orheiul Vechi

The open-air Classical Music Festival "DescOperă", now in its ninth edition, will take place on the third weekend of June in the picturesque setting of Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve, in the village of Butuceni. Visitors will enjoy three evenings of classical music in an exceptional environment.

This year, the audience will be treated to an outstanding programme featuring the most important and representative cultural institutions of the Republic of Moldova, including Serghei Lunchevici National Philharmonic, Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the National Symphony Orchestra of the public company Teleradio-Moldova, maestro Gheorghe Mustea.

Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan said that this year’s edition of the Festival is special because the event marks 10 years since its founding, which represents an important milestone for the cultural life of the Republic of Moldova. According to the official, over the past ten years, DescOperă has grown, developed and won a loyal audience, both from within the country and from abroad. It is an opportunity to discover opera, our classical music, and also to discover the Republic of Moldova through all that it has most beautiful, the minister underlined.


“DescOperă is a clear example that classical music can reach a much wider audience. At the same time, the festival, as it has demonstrated over the years, is a successful example of fusion between culture, classical music, heritage, cultural identity, national identity and, of course, tourism. I invite everyone, both from the country and from abroad, to Butuceni, on June 19, 20 and 21, within Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve, just as we have become accustomed over the years,” he said.


Cristian Jardan emphasized that the organizers have chosen to set a fixed date for the event, on the third weekend of June, so that there is predictability for classical music lovers.


“We want there to be a fixed date for organizing the Festival, to ensure predictability. Normally, on the third weekend of June, the DescOperă Festival will take place every year. This is very important for planning, including for those who want to come from abroad. They must know, just as we have the Wine Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October, we want DescOperă likewise to be held on the third weekend of June,” said Jardan.


The official added that the location of the Festival is special and was not chosen by chance.


“Orheiul Vechi is a symbol of the Republic of Moldova and plays an essential role. Besides being the place where the festival is held, it is part of its identity. DescOperă cannot exist without Butuceni. This association between classical music and such an emblematic site makes the festival distinct, memorable and unique for the entire region,” concluded Cristian Jardan.


Svetlana Bivol, director-general of Serghei Lunchevici National Philharmonic said that this year the Philharmonic will present at the Festival a very diverse classical music programme, performed by the symphony orchestra, Doina Academic Choral Chapel and the Concertino Ensemble.


“We will have several soloists and instrumentalists; we won’t reveal any names now, to keep a bit of intrigue, but in a way, this year we are going with a more national formula, with our own artists, who are exceptional,” said Svetlana Bivol.


Gheorghe Mustea, artistic director and principal conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of the public company "Teleradio-Moldova", highlighted the uniqueness of the festival and its role in promoting the national cultural heritage.


“This year, we will perform on the river; a stage will be installed on the water, which I believe is very original. This festival takes place in such a picturesque, beautiful and historic location. It is a beautiful tradition, where we, as artists, must make sure to raise the public to the level of academic art, or of the art that represents us everywhere,” said Gheorghe Mustea.


Nicolae Dohotaru, director general of Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre mentioned that this year the National Opera will present Giuseppe Verdi’s opera "Nabucco" at the event.


“This is not a coincidence. Nabucco fits very well into this landscape. It is a very special stage. The terrain helps us to create this production. It will be something interesting. It is a special stage, and I think we can afford it,” concluded Nicolae Dohotaru.


Anatol Butnaru, director of Eco-Resort Butuceni complex invited those who wish to attend the Festival to set aside time before its start to discover the authenticity and traditions of the place.

The first edition of the open-air Classical Music Festival "DescOperă" took place in 2016.