Bejenaru Lidia

About

Lidia Bejenaru was born on May 3, 1953, in the village of Țiplești, Sîngerei District, and became one of the most beloved folk music singers in the Republic of Moldova. She began her musical training at the "Elena Sârbu" Cultural Enlightenment School in Soroca between 1968 and 1971, after which she worked as a methodologist at the cultural center in Edineț. Her singing career developed progressively, serving as a soloist for the "Ciocârlia" Orchestra in Edineț, then the "Mugurel" Folk Music Orchestra (1973–1974), and most notably the National Folk Music Orchestra "Lăutarii" of the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic, where she remained from 1978 until the end of her life. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Lidia Bejenaru became the emblematic face and voice of the "Lăutarii" Orchestra, which was led by her husband, conductor Nicolae Botgros, whom she married in 1971. She made an outstanding effort in conserving and authentically performing Moldovan folk songs, writing the music and lyrics for most of the tracks in her repertoire[1]. The singer's first and only album, titled "M-a cuprins un dor de mamă", was released after 20 years of stage activity, with its title reflecting the sensitivity and depth with which she sang about universal themes such as maternal love and life in all its complexity. Lidia Bejenaru remained a distinctive presence on the Moldovan folk music scene until her passing on July 26, 2021, at the age of 68[1]. For her remarkable contributions to national art and culture, she was awarded the "Meritul Civic" medal in 1993. Her musical legacy continues to be appreciated by her admirers, and her songs remain a testament to her full dedication to traditional Moldovan art and the unmistakable spirit of the people she came from.