The laureates of the second International Festival “Grigore Vieru” held in Chisinau were awarded during a Gala Concert at the Organ Hall on Tuesday evening. The awardees included Acting President of Moldova Mihai Ghimpu, who was decorated for civic attitude, Info-Prim Neo reports. “He is the first President who knelt before the icons of our nation, including Grigore Vieru, who is our national symbol,” said writer Nicolae Dabija. The Chisinau City Hall's Prize was given artist Iurie Sadovnic for successful symbiosis between poetry and music. “By music, Grigore Vieru's poems find their echo,” said Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca, while handing over the prize to Iurie Sadovnic. Poet Radu Carneci won two prizes – the Prize for Excellence and the Prize of the Writers Union. Another Prize for Excellence was given to professor Teodor Codreanu. Spiridon Vangheli received the Prize for Translating Grigore Vieru's Poems “Opera Omnia”, while Paul Petrisor – the Prize for Donations in Culture. The International Festival “Grigore Vieru” is held in Romania and Moldova. It starts in Iasi and continues in Chisinau. The event is held on the initiative of Romanian poet Daniel Corbu.