PHOTO // Maria Biesu Festival – internationally renowned artists shine on stage of Chisinau Opera Theatre

The opera, A Masked Ball, by Giuseppe Verdi was presented in Chisinau to a full house, grandly marking the opening of the 33rd edition of the Maria Biesu International Opera and Ballet Festival. The performance was received with prolonged applause by Moldovan public, who appreciated the artistic intensity and emotional power of a high-level production.

The show brought together opera artists from France, Germany and Moldova on the Chisinau stage, under the baton of conductor Ion Dohotaru. The opera was resumed in a renovated stage version, based on the original scenography signed by Veaceslav Ocunev, bringing a visual freshness to a classic reference opera.





The audience was greeted with a welcome message on behalf of Culture Minister  Sergiu Prodan and the artistic director of the National Opera and the Prague State Opera, the renowned Per Boye Hansen.

"Opera and ballet are the most refined forms of art – they represent the calling card of a country and a society. The artists invited to this festival come with open hearts and leave a part of their heart here in Chisinau," said Minister Sergiu Prodan, emphasizing the valuable contribution of the organizers and the backstage team, as well as the audience's attachment to cultural values.





In the role of the governor Riccardo (a character inspired by King Gustav III of Sweden), the audience applauded the French tenor Christophe Poncet de Solages, known for the versatility of his repertoire, ranging from Baroque music to contemporary creations. His dramatic and elegant performance captivated the Chisinau audience.





The French baritone Nicolas Rigas – an actor, theater director, and opera soloist with a rich repertoire in classical and comedic genres – provided an intense portrayal of the character Renato, the betrayed and grieving husband.





In the role of Amelia, the audience was delighted by the presence of Evelina Dobraceva, a Russian-born soprano based in Berlin. A graduate of the "Hanns Eisler" Conservatory, the artist impresses with her expressive voice and wide range of roles in operas and the vocal-symphonic repertoire.





Mezzo-soprano Taisia Caraman played the part of the witch Ulrica, and soprano Ana Cernicova  - the one of Oscar.









"Masked Ball" is a lyric tragedy in three acts, composed by Verdi on a libretto signed by Antonio Somma, inspired by the play "Gustav III" by Eugène Scribe. The work is based on a real historical event – the assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, in 1792, during a masked ball.

The opera explores such subjects as forbidden love, betrayal, loyalty and the tragic fate of a leader, in a dramatically intense construction. The performance was performed in Italian, with Romanian subtitles.







    



Before the show, the audience was invited to admire the "Ave Maria" painting exhibition in the foyer by the artist Ion Moraru, dedicated to Maria Biesu, the legendary soprano and founder of the festival. The paintings, made in watercolor, portray the prima donna in lyrical and elegant postures, and some of the works have flowers as their theme – symbols of sensitivity and grace.

Authentic costumes from Maria Bieșu's stage wardrobe were displayed in the theatre’s foyer as well. The soprano's period dresses attracted the attention of music lovers, who took the opportunity to take photos and gather memories of this precious part of cultural history.





The 33rd edition of the Maria Biesu International Opera and Ballet Festival is being held in a year with strong symbolic significance, marking 90 years since the birth of the woman who laid the foundation of this festival – Maria Biesu, the Prima Donna of the National Opera.

The festival continues with performances of high artistic quality, bringing together renowned names in the world of opera and ballet on the Chisinau stage.