Martisor International Music Festival inaugurated in Moldova

Chisinau, 1 March /MOLDPRES/ - The 56th issue of the Martisor International Music Festival today was inaugurated at the Nicolae Sulac National Palace, with the anniversary concert at the 85th birthday anniversary of composer Eugen Doga.    
Attending the event were Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, Foreign Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Nicu Popescu, Culture Sergiu Prodan, other official people.    
In her speech, PM Natalia Gavrilita said that, on 1 March, we, the Moldovans, give red and white 1 March trinkets (Martisors), as a sign of love, as a sign of peace and as a sign of spring. ‘’This year, several days ago, we got up in a changed world, in a world in which we have war in the neighbourhood of Moldova and on this day, we decided that it was fit to start a campaign for peace, along with the Presidency, along with the Parliament, along with the civil society. We, the Moldovans, are a peaceful and culture loving people. And it is symbolical that, on 1 March, we celebrate master Eugen Doga, who is maybe the most important Moldovan contributor to the world cultural heritage. We only danced everybody the famous waltz, but we are each time happy when we listen to his music. We wish you good health and inspiration many years ahead,’’ Natalia Gavrilita said.  
In the context, Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan said that the strongest weapon in the world is art. ‘’We can conquer an entire world with this weapon. Just look, what army we have here and this is not the entire one. And today, we celebrate the marshal of our art,’’ the minister noted.  
For his part, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu said that Eugen Doga was the most important, the most efficient diplomat of Moldova. ‘’You made us known all over the world. Therefore, for me, there is a great honour to give you the Diplomatic Order of the first degree,’’ the official also said, and fastened the high distinction at the chest of the composer.  
Master Eugen Doga said that he would like this concert to be a message addressed to the peace-loving people, as a message to those who jolt the world.   
The first issue of the Martisor International Music Festival took place at the Serghei Lunchevici National Philharmonic from Chisinau in 1966. The institution’s founder is the Philharmonic’s former departed director Alexandru Fedco. The festival is meant to make happy the native audience with the presence of famous artists not only from Moldova, but from all over the world, turning Chisinau into a true cultural centre.