Barbu Ana
Main achievement
Singer. People's Artist of the Republic of Moldova
About
Ana Barbu, a remarkable performer of folk music, romances, and pop music from the Republic of Moldova, was born on October 30, 1959, in the village of Temeleuți, Florești district. Her passion for singing was passed down to her by her parents and through the radio, as she learned the repertoire of artists such as Maria Tănase, Maria Lătărețu, Maria Drăgan, and Nicolae Sulac. Her stage debut took place in the third grade, performing a song by Sofia Rotaru. A graduate of the Bălți College of Music specializing in academic singing, she made her professional debut in 1993 in Chișinău, as part of the "Fluieraș" Ensemble orchestra conducted by Serghei Lunchevici. She later collaborated with Ion Dascăl's "Mugurel" ensemble, the Folk Music Orchestra of the Ministry of Internal Affairs—where she was awarded the rank of captain—and the "Plai Moldovenesc" Orchestra. Known for hits like "Flori de liliac", she held concerts in the Republic of Moldova, Canada, and other countries, being awarded the title of Emeritus Artist (Artistă Emerită) in 2011, and later she was named People's Artist of the Republic of Moldova. Throughout her career, Ana Barbu passionately performed folk, pop, and classical music, gifting emotion and authenticity to the audience through her warm voice and rich repertoire, which included tracks such as "Mi-e dor" and "Tinerețe nu pleca". She collaborated with renowned conductors and prestigious orchestras, including the "Doina" Academic Choral Chapel led by Veronica Garștea, participating in performances that promoted Moldovan folklore. Her artistic activity was marked by an energetic and coquettish style, keeping her always young in the eyes of her admirers, and in her final years, she was preparing new albums and songs alongside orchestras like "Lăutarii". Ana Barbu was proud of her family, her greatest achievement being her two daughters—Natalia Barbu, settled in Bucharest, and Irina, in the United States—as well as her grandson, whom she loved to visit. She passed away on May 18, 2015, at the age of 55, following an incurable illness, leaving behind a legacy of songs that evoke love, flowers, and the beauty of Moldovan life, admired to this day by entire generations.
