Fourth young instrumentalists’ contest opened in Chisinau

The national contest of young instrumentalists In Memoriam “Antonina Luchinski” is taking place in Chisinau during September 10-13. This year, the contest is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the birth of the First Lady of Moldova in 1996-2001, Info-Prim Neo reports. Forty-six children will compete in three sections: woodwind, piano and strings. The contest is traditionally held between September 10 and 12 and ends with the award ceremony and a gala concert on September 13, when Antonina Luchinski was born. Jana Tudose, musical secretary of the Organ Hall, said the interest in the young instrumentalists’ contest increases every year. “The first contest brought together 20 patricians. This year, we selected 46 of the 50 applicants. Sixteen of them are from districts,” she said. Alexandru Cibotaru, 10, is from Causeni district. “Last year, I played the clarinet and won the Top Prize of the contest. This year, I will play the flute. I have only positive emotions. I can say I have experience as I have taken part in 12 contests,” he said. 12-year-old Ion Belea from Gratiesti will also play the flute. “Last year, I took the third position at this contest. However, I feel like taking part in it for the first time,” he said. Iulia Mandrescu, the mother of 11-year-old Irina Mandrescu who will play the piano, said her daughter will compete in this contest for the first time. “We decided to take part as this is a prestigious competition,” she said. The contest of young instrumentalists In Memoriam “Antonina Luchinski” has been held since 2006, when the First Lady passed away. Antonina Luchinski founded the charity “The Hope’s Spring Crocuses” to support and promote the talented children of Moldova.