DescOperă 2026 – Ten Years of Music Beneath the Open Sky at Old Orhei – Guidemoldova.com Blog | Travel tips, guides, and insights for visiting Moldova

From June 18 to 21, 2026, the breathtaking landscape of Butuceni, within Moldova’s famous Old Orhei Cultural-Natural Reserve, will once again become an open-air stage for one of the country’s most remarkable cultural events. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the DescOperă Festival invites audiences to experience four unforgettable evenings of opera, symphonic music, and artistic excellence under the stars.

Organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, DescOperă has established itself as one of Eastern Europe’s most unique classical music festivals. Combining world-class performances with the spectacular scenery of Old Orhei, the event offers visitors an experience where culture and nature blend seamlessly.

A Special Anniversary Edition

The 2026 edition introduces an innovative concept designed specifically for the festival’s tenth anniversary. Each evening will feature a different stage placement within the natural amphitheater of Butuceni, creating a distinct atmosphere and visual perspective for every performance.

This unique approach allows audiences to rediscover the landscape of Old Orhei while enjoying some of the finest classical music productions from Moldova and Romania.

June 18 – The Barber of Seville

The festival opens with a special guest performance by the National Opera of Bucharest, presenting Gioachino Rossini’s beloved comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville.

Under the baton of renowned conductor Daniel Jinga, audiences will enjoy one of the world’s most celebrated operas, known for its lively melodies, humor, and unforgettable characters.

June 19 – Rhapsodies, Fantasies and Misatango

The second evening begins with a symphonic concert featuring famous rhapsodies and fantasies performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra “Serghei Lunchevici” under the direction of conductor Mihail Agafița.

The program features acclaimed soloists:

Viorica Agafița – violin

Sergiu Mușat – clarinet

Cezar Moldovanu – violin

The evening continues with Martin Palmeri’s acclaimed Misatango, a powerful fusion of classical sacred music and Argentine tango.

Performers include:

Lilia Istratii – mezzo-soprano

Eugen Negruța – bandoneon

Mark Oselski – piano

The performance brings together the CONCERTINO Orchestra and the Academic Choral Chapel “Doina” under the direction of Ilona Stepan.

June 20 – Verdi’s Nabucco

One of the highlights of the festival will be Giuseppe Verdi’s monumental opera Nabucco, presented by the National Opera and Ballet Theatre “Maria Bieșu”.

The production features some of Moldova’s most distinguished opera performers, including Petru Racoviță as Nabucco and Asineta Răducan as Abigaille.

Musical direction is provided by Nicolae Dohotaru, with stage direction by Rodica Picireanu and scenography by Iurie Matei.

Against the dramatic backdrop of Old Orhei’s cliffs and valleys, Verdi’s masterpiece promises to become one of the most memorable moments of the anniversary edition.

June 21 – The Strauss Dynasty Gala

The festival concludes with a festive celebration dedicated to the music of the Strauss family.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Teleradio-Moldova, conducted by Academician Gheorghe Mustea, will perform an elegant selection of waltzes, polkas, and operetta favorites.

Featured soloists include:

Tatiana Costiuc – lyric soprano

Taisia Caraman – mezzo-soprano

Sergiu Garabaji – baritone

This grand finale promises a joyful and refined conclusion to four days of exceptional music.

An Unmissable Cultural Experience in Moldova

For visitors seeking more than traditional sightseeing, DescOperă offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class classical music in one of Moldova’s most iconic landscapes.

As the festival celebrates ten years of bringing opera and symphonic music into the heart of nature, DescOperă 2026 stands as a testament to Moldova’s vibrant cultural life and growing reputation as a destination for unique artistic experiences.

Whether you are a passionate opera lover, a classical music enthusiast, or a traveler looking to discover Moldova through culture, DescOperă 2026 promises four unforgettable evenings beneath the open sky.