Roxana Briban, laureate of the Grand Prix Darclée 2001,
with Nicolae Herlea and Mariana Nicolesco

Brâila's International Canto Contest is dedicated to Romanian legendary soprano Hariclea Darclée. She was Caruso's partner and was directed by Toscanini in glorious performances. Unfortunately, the voice of this singer, the first interpreter of Tosca, Iris or Wally, remains unknown.
Mariana Nicolesco, the internationally acclaimed soprano, created in Brâila, the charming city on the Lower Danube, where Darclée was born, a series of music events that are generally considered as pure miracles.

Mariana Nicolesco's golden voice reverberated once again in the theatre where Darclée had her debut some 120 years ago. This year, she brought together music lovers to celebrate the work of Bellini, two centuries after his birth, and the music of Verdi on the centenary of his passing away. The contest attracted no less than 172 candidates from 21 countries, as well as the winners of the previous editions, several accompanying maestros, two orchestras, a choir, all in all over 500 musicians. Each of the events created by Mariana Nicolesco in Brâila has led to overflowing concert halls and more than 10.000 opera fans were able to view the live transmission on giant video walls. The music lovers were treated to a truly unique celebration of Verdi's La Traviata, with Roxana Briban (Darclée 2001 Grand Prix winner) in the leading role, Vlad Conta conducting, as well as the outstanding performances that were the concerts with fragments from all Verdi's operas, in which Mariana Nicolesco sang with her young friends, the Concert of Choirs (along the Danube Esplanade) and the Concert of Arias (in the old theatre). The latter, as well as the Gala of the Laureates, conducted by Marco Balderi, will stay as lasting landmarks of our national musical life. This event was co-sponsored by TAROM, the national airline company, providing transportation to and from Romania for the contestants and guests.

" I know of no other voice contest that rises at all moments and in all performances to such heights as this one, dedicated to the memory of Hariclea Darclée. This is much more than a simple voice contest. It is a competition, a master class and a true music festival, at a time. This is what makes it incomparable and unique."
Josef Hussek, Artistic Director of the Salzburg Festival

" The string of artistic, musical and cultural events promoted by the Darclée Foundation in those two weeks were truly spectacular. The competition was more than engaging, it was triumphant. I returned to Milan reinvigorated: in the world of music, it is still possible to work with passion, devotion, love for theatre, for the young artists, for the voice."
Alberto Triola, Teatro Alla Scala, Milan

" The accomplishments of the Darclée Foundation and its soul, Mariana Nicolesco, will remain part of our cultural and artistic history. Everything was exceptional. A miracle with no match in today's world."
Radu Gabrea, Movie Director

© source:"Insight Tarom-Music,2001"