Dumitru Matcovschi: Remembering Moldova's Great Poet
Dumitru Matcovschi, the renowned poet, playwright, publicist, and titular member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, would have turned 85 years old today.
Matcovschi was born on October 20th in the village of Vadul-Rașcov, Șoldănești district.
During his prolific literary career, he published over 50 volumes of poetry and prose, many of which were set to music and became hits. "Bucurați-vă, prieteni" ("Rejoice, friends") is one of the most well-known songs in the repertoire of Moldovan pop music.
In 1996, Matcovschi was awarded the Order of the Republic of Moldova. In 2012, he was made a Knight of the Order of "Cultural Merit" with the rank of Grand Officer, Category A "Literature," by the then-president of Romania, Traian Băsescu.
Dumitru Matcovschi passed away on June 26, 2013. He was buried with military honours in his native village.
A bust of the poet stands on the Alley of Classics in "Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt" Public Garden in Chișinău. Another stands in "Mihai Eminescu" Park in Soroca.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
