Alex Calancea’s ‘Voievod’ celebrates Moldovan history in unprecedented cultural show
The grandiose choreographic rock-opera "Voievod" is set to premiere in Chișinău, marking one of the year's biggest cultural events.
Created by acclaimed composer and producer Alex Calancea, the spectacle promises an unforgettable fusion of music, dance, and historical emotion.
The massive, unprecedented production will unite approximately 200 artists, including some of the region's most prominent names. The cast features Alex Calancea's folk-rock band, Lupii lui Calancea, the revered National Academic Ensemble of Folk Dance "Joc," rapper Guz, the traditional vocal group Osoianu Sisters, the Symphonic Orchestra of the National Philharmonic, and the "Moldova" Choral Chapel.
The show is a genuine foray into the region's turbulent medieval history, and its complexity requires top-level organization.
Alex Calancea explained the theme: "This is a journey through the history of the regions, encompassing historical Moldova, Wallachia, and Muntenia. Our history is full of trials, countless invasions, and oppression, yet faith has always resisted. Those who stood firm and prevented foreign forces from taking hold were the Voevodes (Medieval Rulers)."
Inna Iurașco, Commercial Director for the event's production company, emphasized its scale: "Projects of this national, cultural importance, and with this number of people involved, are unprecedented in the history of the Republic of Moldova. We are using technical equipment and large screen visuals to try and recreate the profound sentiment our ancestors felt."
Sergiu Stanciu, Director of the Sports and Entertainment Complex, noted the production challenge: "We are prepared for any scenario. We have the experience to show the general public that while a lot happens backstage, the final image is what truly matters."
The artists are currently in the midst of full rehearsal schedules.
Rapper Guz, who is participating in the production, shared his enthusiasm: "I look forward to savoring the event itself. For me, the winter holidays and everything that happens with the Lupii lui Calancea band creates a kind of Christmas vibe. I generally love stories, and I get to be part of a story called rock-opera."
Performer Cristian Ursache detailed a major challenge: "There will be two stages, one below, one above, and I must remember where I need to be for every piece. This is very complicated. The connection between the top and bottom stage is 18 meters, and I have to constantly run—that will be a big challenge, because after running at that pace, I still have to sing."
Dumitru Bălțătescu, Artistic Director at the National Ballet "Joc," affirmed their contribution: "We are bringing our own creation, working with the 'Joc' creative team. We draw inspiration from the values left by our ancestors, from our folk dance, and Alex Calancea's music."
The Voievod show is scheduled for December 14. An impressive 80% of the tickets have already been sold.
Translatino by Iurie Tataru
