FERM 2025 | Silvia ZAGOREANU (House of Culture, Ungheni, Republic of Moldova): “Tradition is preserved and passed on through communities, becoming a bond of identity and cultural heritage.”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Panel Theme:
Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion
Speaker:
Silvia Zagoreanu – Director of the House of Culture, Ungheni
Presentation topic:
“Tradition as a Community Expression: The Contribution of Amateur Ensembles to the Vitality of Intangible Heritage”
Within Panel 10 – Culture and Regional Identity: Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion, Silvia Zagoreanu, Director of the House of Culture in Ungheni, emphasized that traditions are not mere cultural ornaments, but rather a living spiritual force that reflects the identity of the people and sustains their continuity.
She presented herself as one of the promoters of authentic traditions, highlighting that throughout her career she has contributed both as a performer and as a producer of radio and television programs. Through these projects, she has constantly brought into focus amateur artists and the intangible heritage they keep alive.
Amateur Artists – The Discreet Guardians of Intangible Heritage
In her speech, Silvia Zagoreanu underlined the essential role of amateur artistic ensembles – choirs, bands, orchestras, dance groups – whom she called true keepers of traditions. They act with passion and dedication, without seeking material gain, driven only by the authentic desire to pass on cultural values.
“These are people from the villages who come with their soul and their love for promoting traditions and the nation, without asking for large fees. Without amateur artists, today we would see far fewer festivals and cultural events.”
To emphasize the scale of the phenomenon, Silvia Zagoreanu presented some relevant data:
- In 2022, more than 3,600 amateur artistic ensembles were active in the Republic of Moldova, bringing together over 50,000 active members;
- Approximately 20% of these ensembles earned the title of “model”, a distinction that ensures them both public recognition and the possibility of receiving financial support;
- Their activity and development are regulated by a legal framework established by the Ministry of Culture, which also includes an attestation process every four years, aimed at stimulating the preservation and promotion of authentic folklore.
Thus, amateur artists not only enrich the cultural life of communities, but also become true ambassadors of intangible heritage, ensuring its continuity and visibility.
Between Challenges and Solutions
Silvia Zagoreanu pointed out that the activity of amateur artistic ensembles is marked by several challenges.
- Authentic Repertoire – today, many ensembles build their programs inspired by social networks.
“We now have a phenomenon we call folklore collected from YouTube. We try to encourage ensembles to search within their own communities, but too few pay attention to this aspect.”
- Traditional Costumes – the Soviet period imposed artificial models, industrially produced, with symbols invented by designers. Today, however, sewing circles and local workshops are reviving the embroidered blouse (cămașa cu altiță), the essential piece of traditional costume.
- Financial Support – the continuity of ensembles largely depends on state and local authority support. Ensembles that obtain the status of “model ensemble” receive salaries for their leaders and accompanists, which allows them to remain active.
“If there weren’t one or two salaries, they would cease to exist.”
An eloquent example is the Palace of Culture in Ungheni, which hosts 14 amateur artistic ensembles, all directly supported by the municipality.
“This is the only case in the Republic of Moldova and demonstrates how much real involvement of authorities matters in supporting culture.”
Tradition – A Resource for the Future
Silvia Zagoreanu stressed that the Ministry of Culture’s regulation is not a matter of bureaucracy, but a framework designed to protect and support artistic expression.
“Tradition truly lives in rural communities. There are still people who hold in their hearts our most sacred values. We believe in a future where our children will take over these traditions and carry them forward.”
Conclusion:
The intervention of Silvia Zagoreanu highlighted the essential role of amateur artistic ensembles in preserving and promoting the intangible heritage of the Republic of Moldova. These ensembles are the driving force of community traditions, acting with passion and dedication, even under limited resources.
At the same time, the legal framework and institutional support provide protection, recognition, and the possibility of remuneration for leaders and accompanists, thus helping to maintain these ensembles active. Success stories, such as that of the Palace of Culture in Ungheni, demonstrate that local authority involvement and constant investment in culture can transform tradition into a sustainable resource that inspires and shapes future generations.
