Bringing American Music to Moldova: What Does it Take?

Leading a busy professional lifestyle, I rarely get a chance to attend cultural events. Last night was an exception. The National Philharmonic of Moldova presented a wonderful concert of American music performed by the Moldovan Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by a distinguished American conductor, Charles Ansbacher of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Beside enjoying a well-selected repertoire, which included such world-renowned pieces like Aaron Copland’s Outdoors Overture, Quiet City, Lincoln Portrait, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings , and Richard Rodgers' Oklahoma and Sound of Music, it was truly exciting to experience this successful American-Moldovan musical project.

Beside providing funding for this event, the US Government has physically participated in the concert: the US Ambassador in Moldova performed a highly significant and emotional part of Lincoln Portrait: he recited excerpts from the famous public speeches and addresses of Abraham Lincoln - the most beloved and devoted to democratic values American president. Have a look at that text because those excerpts are very relevant for any country that strives to become a true democracy. I will quote the most relevant part for Moldova:

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."

Referring to a previous discussion (on this and other blogs) on what the Moldovan Government could do to enhance its positive image and perception in the world, I think this is a great example of how to organize and conduct a bi-lateral cultural event.