Igor Cuciuc winner of the Festival-Contest “Nicolae Sulac” trophy

The second edition of the folk music Festival-Contest “Nicolae Sulac” took place on Sunday, September 9, on the stage of the National Philharmonic Hall “Serghei Lunchevici”. Igor Cuciuc, from Ciuciulea village, Glodeni, was awarded the 10 thousand lei prize and the “Nicolae Sulac” Festival-Contest trophy. Graduate of the Music Academy, theatre and fine arts “Gavriil Muzicescu”, folk canto department, Igor Cuciuc is currently the soloist of the orchestra “Fratii Advahov” (“The Advahov Brothers”). He told Info-Prim Neo it is the first time he participates in a competition and that it required an assiduous preparation with regards to the musical effort, as well as presentation, costume and stage conduct. The first place and the prize of 7 thousand lei were won by the young singer Tatiana Martin, from Ochiul Alb village, Drochia. In addition, the jury awarded two prizes of three thousand five hundred lei for the second place and four prizes of 1500 lei for third place winners. There were 6 honourable mentions, of 700 lei each, as well as special prizes in the value of one thousand lei, for the most original interpretation of one of Nicolae Sulac’s songs, for the youngest participant (aged 16), the most original folk costume, for the authenticity of the programme and the promotion of folk songs. The second edition of the folk music Festival “Nicolae Sulac” which took place on September 7, 8 brought together 22 young participants, who were accepted on a competition basis through a rigid nationwide selection process. For the first time, the Contest featured two soloists from Romania. The head of the jury, conductor of the national folk orchestra, Nocolae Botgros, stated that the selection process was difficult, as all participants were very good, and gave him hope for the country’s folk music bright future. The Director of the Festival Iustina Scarlat expressed her aspirations to see these young interpreters taking the traditions of the folk music further, in the same manner as Nicolae Sulac, who did it with dignity, generosity, and love, and will pass it on to future generations. For the first time, well-known artists such as Mihai Munteanu, Nicolae Cibotaru, Doina Sulac, Ioana Capraru, Lidia Bejenaru, Adriana Ochisanu, Larisa Arseni, Valentin Boghean, Ion Paladi, etc. complemented the festival programme with their input, accompanied by the national folk music orchestra “Lautarii”. The second edition of the Festival-Contest “Nicolae Sulac” was organised by the National Centre of Folk, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Philharmonic “Serghei Lunchevici”, the National Agency CMoldova-Concert” and the City Hall of Chisinau.