The anthology “Soul of violin. Nicolae Botgros”, about the life and work of violinist and conductor of the National Folk Music Orchestra “Lautarii”, was launched at the National Library on April 27. This was put together by journalist and folk music singer Veta Ghimpu-Munteanu and was issued in 2,500 copies, 300 of whom will be provided to national libraries, IPN reports.
The anthology’s protagonist Nicolae Botgros said his 30-years-old dream came true with the launch of this book. He thanked all those who contributed to the appearance of the collection, noting that what these people achieved is a very big value. The anthology will be distributed to different countries so that the next days the book will reach London, Paris and Roma.
Veta Ghimpu-Munteanu noted she worked a year to collect interviews from the print media, radio, TV and photographs from the family’s archive.
Attending the event, Minister of Education, Culture and Research Monica Babuc said the special and inestimable talent of Nicolae Botgros for promoting traditional music and keeping the folklore in Moldova deserved to be put on the pages of a book. “This work represents homage rendered not only to a genius of the folk music, but also to a man of rare decency, who loves his country, language and nation,” she stated.
National Library director Elena Pintilei said “Soul of violin. Nicolae Botgros” has been awaited by libraries. “It is a book that will occupy a special place in the audio-video stock of the National Library as this contains all the interviews, family pictures and photos with renowned people. It is a book that was created by the protagonist himself as this is his life and work,” she stated. The National Library will have two book of the kind. These will be presented at exhibits and events devoted to the national music at the Library.
Tenor Mihai Munteanu said Nicolae Botgros represent an epoch of music in Moldova and the whole world. “I’ve known him for almost 50 years. His talent for handling the violin and conducting the orchestra is unique. Besides being a god musician, he is also an extraordinary personality with whom you can talk about many things. This book should be read as it presents the life of a great man. It is a historical moment as such books are not edited often,” he stated.
The publication of the book was supported financially by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research.
Nicolae Botgros was born in Badicul-Moldovenesc village of Cahul district on January 25, 1953. He studied at the School of Culture “Elena Sarbu” in Soroca and at the Conservatory “G. Musicescu” in Chisinau. Since 1978, he has served as the artistic director of the National Folk Music Orchestra “Lautarii”.
