U.S. Ambassador in Chisinau Dereck J. Hogan expressed his profound sadness at the fire that seriously affected the National Philharmonic. He said it was tragic to follow such a nice building in central Chisinau and a part of the cultural heritage being destroyed, IPN reports.

“The U.S. Embassy had exceptional cooperation relations with the National Philharmonic “Sergei Lunkevich” – Moldova, which in time hosted our musical recitals and traditional Christmas Concerts every time with great enthusiasm. As the ambassador, I had the occasion of enjoying multiple events inside this hall. We are near the Philharmonic’s team in these difficult moments and hope that this symbol of Moldovan musical culture will be reborn from the ashes so as to continue to delight the lovers of music and the next generations,” said Dereck J. Hogan.

For his part, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko said he saw with sadness the disaster that struck the building of the Philharmonic in Chisinau. “This is a central place for the national and international culture and music, a place loved by all the people in the Republic of Moldova, where I and many of my colleagues lived extraordinary artistic experiences alongside our Moldovan friends. Friends, you are not alone in these difficult moments! We are and will remain near you and we will experience again the joy of the art that unites us,” noted Peter Michalko.

The fire at the National Philharmonic started at about midday on September 24. The firefighters managed to localize it in over four hours. The ceiling of the main hall caved in.