New success of Moldovans in Romania. Info-Prim Neo interview with Mihaela Chisnencu

Last week, in the Romanian port city of Constanta, the big final of the National Children Creation and Singing Contest “Mamaia copiilor – 2008” took place. The song by composer Anatol Roscovan and poet Grigore Vieru “I love you and fly”, sung by the Mihaela Chisnencu, got on the second place. [ - How was in Mamaia? Are you happy with your attainment?] - It's always good in Mamaia: the seawater is warm, many people, much fun, but I went there to work. Moldova is taking part for the first time in the creation division of this contest for children. I got the Grand Prix in the singing division of this festival two years ago. Since then, the Moldovan singers have not managed to pass beyond any pre-selection. This contest is joined annually by 2,000 children from Romania and Moldova, and but several dozens reach the big final. Unfortunately, this year, other four very talented children from Moldova have failed to get beyond the pre-selection, but they have managed to impress the jury. They say the young talents from Moldova are unique, but Romania is big and it is fair that every area of the country is represented at the contest. [- Has the fact that the Mamaia Festival took place in Constanta this year had any influence on your performance?] - None. The new stage was not an obstacle for the ones coming to show their masterliness and creation. The chairman of the jury, Adrian Paunescu, says “Mamaia Copiilor” is a performance of pouring talents and static characters. The Festival has already become a spiritual state, and the presence of the Moldovans in the final is a good sign for the future of the Romanian music. Personally, I tried to do my job well, as my teachers -- composer Anatol Roscovan, actress Gabi Lungu, vocal teacher Eugen Iurchevici -- taught me. I wanted to perform as expected by the authors of the song “I love you and fly” -- poet Grigore Vieru and composer Anatol Roscovan. [ - Did you count on any prize?] - I've always wanted that. But I realize we cannot have everything whenever we want. Anatol Roscovan was skeptic about the song being able to reach the final. He says the Moldovans must be much better than the Romanians to manage a performance in Romania. The fact that the ones reaching the final necessarily because laureates of the festival and even winners clearly proves that. Poet Grigore Vieru showed more optimism. He was sure the song “I love you and fly” will be among the winning. “Professionalism always wins,” the poet used to say. [ - How did you contain your emotions? ] - I did not have too many supporters. The authors could not come because of health conditions. Nor did those over 20 prizes of mine won at different national and international contests manage to allay my spirit. I returned to Mamaia a year after winning the trophy of this prestigious festival. I had to prove I deserved that trophy and I can work in a team. The second award is by no means less than the Trophy. In the creation division, there are twice, thrice as many competitors, and less prizes. The cooperation with Anatol Roscovan and Grigore Vieru may be considered one of the most successful in my life. I hope the two authors will entrust me with other works.