The coffin with the body of the National Opera Prima Donna was laid at the National Opera House in Chisinau for the people to bid farewell to her. “The sky is also crying today,” said the people with tears in their eyes, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The sky is crying because one of the most loved and respected singers passed away. I came to render homage to her for the last time. She will always remain in our memory,” said one of the singer’s admirers. Another admirer said she came to Chisinau from Cimislia to see the great soprano for the last time. “We will not forget her because she is a history and a symbol for our people. She was a very simple woman, but was loved and admired by so many people,” she stated. Another woman said that nothing can be more painful for a people than the death of those who became symbols of the country. “We all loved and respected her. She is a jewel that appears once in 100 years. I grew up listening to the songs of Maria Biesu. She is the golden voice not only of Moldova, but of the whole world. God rest her in peace,” she said. Maria Biesu died on May 16 at the age of 76. She won prizes at prestigious international contests, including the Third Prize at the International Contest “P.I. Tchaikovsky” in Moscow (1966), and the First Prize and the Golden Cup for the best interpretation of the role of Madame Butterfly in the opera “Madame Butterfly” at the International Singing Contest “Miura Tamaki” in Tokyo (1967). The day of her burial was decreed National Mourning Day.