{Though folk singer Vasile Mereuta started to sing at the age of 40, he managed to delight the folk music lovers with many beautiful songs that have been among the most favorite at radio stations for several months in a row. The soloist says his accomplishments are due to the folklore, which is nourishment for his soul.} [ - Listening to your songs, I realized that all they have a deep message. Do you take this quality into account when you choose your repertoire?] - It is not the only quality that I take account of, but I think it is the decisive one. The message in folk music is very important as it conveys the human feelings and sufferings. I always wanted an intelligent text that will reach every listener. To a great extent, I managed to do this owing to my faith. Religion inspires me and my creation. I come from a very religious family. My parents went to church every Sunday, without exception. The fast was holy for us. My family follows strictly follows these traditions now. My parents were good Christians and taught us appropriately. I try to treat my children the same way. My songs are intended not only for the public, but also for my family. The faith helps me be better and more respectful with the people. It roots out greed and envy. God gave me talent and it is my duty to use it and bring joy to people. At the same time, I'm aware that one can achieve something only through hard work. I entered the Moldovan music scene late compared with my colleagues and I worked assiduously to achieve results. I made modest, but steady steps. I have a wide repertoire and I'm popular with the listeners of a number of national radio stations. [ - One of your last songs "Let's Forgive" can be regarded as a piece of advice...] - No, it is not a piece of advice, but a piece of meditation that is required by our souls. This song that was recorded recently has a separate message and is welcome in the Holy Week. The idea is that the people should stop fussing around and think of the soul as it also needs nourishment. We must be better towards each other and more forgiving. We must meditate more on the meaning of our lives. The Bible says that we will save ourselves by forgiveness. Why shouldn't we follow this advice? The words are written by Galina Furdui, while the music by the talented composer Mihai Stangacu. I have close cooperation relations with these professionals. [ - Your songs are broadcast more on radio than on television. You do not give concerts at the National Palace. Is it hard to enter the national scene?] - Indeed, it is much easier to be accepted at radio stations. My songs "You, Luck", "I Miss My Parents”, "My Dear Sister”, "Stay More” are in great demand at the radio stations. I think the public appreciates their deep message. The song "You, Luck" has been among the most popular songs for about 17 weeks and has been on top for thee times. On the radio, the songs are broadcast at people's request, while the concerts in big halls are mainly organized by administrators of radio stations. Certainly, as soloist of one of the national orchestras you can achieve more. Every artist dreams of singing together with an orchestra. I'm not an exception, but I could not enter either of them as the competition is stiff. That's why, I please myself with the work I do. I do not complain. I'm asked to perform at the concerts staged by the local public authorities. I sing at different festivities (weddings, christening ceremonies, birthdays, corporate holidays), but the performance at the radio and the fact that my first CD "You, Luck", which was made in cooperation with poet Galina Furdui and composer Gheorghe Cretu and was included in the golden stock of the national radio station, are the most important things. I now intend to record 11 new folk songs. The music to six of them was written by composer Gheorghe Banariuc. They will all form part of my next folk music album. [ - You have recorded many pop songs lately. Have you changed your preferences?] - It is not a change of preferences, but an attempt to be accepted from another angle. In fact, I decided to try this type of music because of the public. I was asked to sing pop songs at many corporate events. I tried and I understood that I can do it. You know the saying - the proof of the pudding is in the eating. At the same time, I like very much the songs of Mihai Stangaciu, who wrote the famous song sung by Ana Barbu, "Holy Words". Unfortunately, this composer that I consider talented is not very known in Moldova. I have known him for over 30 years and decided to let the public judge his talent. He wrote 15 songs for me. They will be included in my new album. [ - Don't you think you take risks when you include 15 songs written by one composer in one album?] - All my songs are different. Owing to the multilateral view and talent of composer Mihai Stangaciu, the songs were written in different genres of pop music. I'm sure the public will like them. Many of them are already in demand at radio stations. [ - Has the crisis affected your?] - The crisis affects seriously only the vulnerable ones, while the hardworking people overcome the difficulties easier. We must only make effort. I have many things to do yet. I work on two albums, sing at ceremonies and my songs are in demand at radio stations. The folklore has been and will be the most popular genre of music. The Moldovan people sing songs even when they face difficulties.  [Angela Chisnencu, Info-Prim Neo]