Moldovan Guitar Festival Honors Late Iurie Sadovnic, Draws Hundreds in Lopatna

The annual Festivalul Chitarelor in Lopatna, Moldova, paid tribute to the late folk musician Iurie Sadovnic (1951‑2021). Attendees from Orhei, Peresecina, Soroca and surrounding districts gathered to hear his songs performed live and to celebrate his legacy. Organisers set up an exhibition of Sadovnic’s personal items – photographs, costumes, records and radios – which visitors could view.

Local cultural figures recalled Sadovnic’s impact: Andrei Boldurat, director of the Susleni cultural centre, described him as “a good man, a talented poet and musician.” Stepanida Țugui, director of the Orhei library, noted the effort to attract a wide audience each year. The event highlighted the enduring popularity of Sadovnic’s repertoire across generations.