Folk music singer Tamara Ciobanu, who was born 100 years ago, was commemorated at the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. “Tamara Ciobanu was a great personality of our culture, who made us famous all over the Soviet Union and not only. Her voice is individual and unique,” said the director of the Cultural Heritage Institute of the Academy of Sciences Victor Ghilas, who acted also as a host, IPN reports.

Starting with November 22, when the singer was born, commemorative events have been held in schools, universities and other institutions all over the country. The event at the Academy of Sciences brought together researchers, musicologists, and representatives of the Musicians Union. The event started with the presentation of the documentary film “Sisters”, with archive images, whose protagonists are Tamara Ciobanu and her sister, opera singer Valentina Savitski.

“Tamara Ciobanu wasn’t really appreciated during her lifetime. She suffered a lot because she wasn’t allowed to choose her repertoire. Her talent could not be hidden yet. She will remain a golden page in the history of our music,” stated Victor Ghilas.

Doctor Habilitate of Arts Vasile Chiselita underlined the importance of the singer’s contribution to developing culture in the difficult period in which she lived. “Tamara Ciobanu sang with the soul, while her talent will remain a living legend of the Moldovan people,” she stated.

“Tamara Ciobanu became successful in many countries very quickly. When the artist sang, the people applauded her standing,” said composer Constantin Rusnac, secretary general of the National Commission for UNESCO.

Tamara Ciobanu was born on November 22, 1914 in Berezlogi, Orhei. In 1945-1951, she was soloist of the Radio Company of the USSR. In 1951-1973, she was the soloist of the folk music orchestra “Flueras”. She was conferred the State Award of the URSS, the title of the People’s Artist of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic and the title of the People’s Artist of the USSR. She died in Chisinau on October 23, 1990.