The Professional Artistic Ensemble “Doina Gorjului” from Târgu-Jiu has its beginnings over 60 years ago, in 1948, when Taraful Gorjului was founded – the first professional orchestra formation, which was gradually joined by soloists and dancers. In 1968, with the re-establishment of Gorj County, it changed its name to “Doina Gorjului”.
Throughout time, great interpreters of Romanian folk song have permanently linked their names to “Doina Gorjului”. We will recall just a few of them: Maria Tănase, Maria Lătăretu, Maria Apostol, Filofteia Lăcătusu, Iustina Băluteanu and others, all of whom – unfortunately, too soon – departed to the world beyond. Also, folk song interpreters who, to our joy, are our contemporaries, perfected their apprenticeship at “Doina Gorjului”: Maria Ciobanu, Petrica Mîtu Stoian, Niculina Stoican, Mariana Ionescu-Căpitănescu, Constantin Măgureanu. They joined an earlier generation of servants of the “Doina Gorjului” stage, such as: Nelu Bălăsoiu, Stefania Etegan, Mihai Mihalache, Ileana Leonte, Sica Rusu-Durlai, Gigi Luca, Mihai Lazăr, Matei Constantin, Ionela Anghel and others.
The “Doina Gorjului” Ensemble has imposed its celebrity throughout time also thanks to great conductors who served the orchestra’s podium: Nicu Novac, Gelu Barabancea, Stelian Ghiocel, Ionel Puia and last but not least, Marin Ghiocel.
The one who also permanently linked his name to “Doina Gorjului”, managing to revitalize and even revolutionize it, was Professor Liviu Dafinescu, who held the position of director between 1995-2004, when a terrible illness struck him down and lifted him to heaven, into the constellation of those who chose immortality through art.
Today, as always, “Doina Gorjului” brings together an exceptional lineup of folk melody interpreters: Ion Ghitulescu (both interpreter and impresario), Maria Loga, Victorita Lăcătusu, Mirela Tapotă-Lătăretu, Olguta Berbec, Maria Roberta Crintea, Claudia Torop, Georgiana Bîrsac, Natalia Gorjanu and Valentin Samfira.
The repertoire of the Professional Artistic Ensemble “Doina Gorjului” primarily valorizes the immense artistic potential of Oltenia and, especially of Gorj County, an area renowned for the authenticity and creative force of these places. Masterpieces – both musical and choreographic – from almost all ethno-folkloric regions of Romania also hold a place of honor. In a word, in the cradle of song and dance of “Doina Gorjului”, folkloric gems from across the entire country undulate in perfect harmony.
The orchestra, composed of true professionals, in whose hands the instruments seem truly enchanted, includes the entire palette of folk instruments that Romanian folklore encompasses. It is led by two exceptional conductors: Aurel Blondea and Marcel Parnica, graduates of the Faculty of Music within “Spiru Haret” University. Under their baton, the orchestra constantly gains new valences and sounds admirable.
The dancers seem to be on wires when they literally tear up the stage floor in performances. Beyond artistic feeling and native talent, they make great, often superhuman efforts to maintain themselves at such a level. They are like performance athletes, for whom, alongside the art of interpretation and synchronization of movements, physical preparation is paramount.
They are professionally trained by Valeriu Saraolu, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Chisinau, and by Liviu Berchi, an ardent Maramureș native who became Gorjean, their former colleague. The choreographic repertoire contains over 30 suites from all ethno-folkloric regions of the country, bearing the signature of renowned choreographers such as Marin Badea, Valeriu Buciu, Viorel Vatamaniuc and others. The performances of recent years are the fruit of collaboration with two great names of contemporary Romanian choreography – Theodor Vasilescu and Marin Barbu – creators of exceptional choreographic productions.
The folk costumes constitute a rare heritage at “Doina Gorjului”, truly incomparable and immeasurable. They fully respect authenticity and tradition, being made by folk masters from the respective regions. In their creation, both the mystery of ancient costume-making and the elegance, brilliance and unity of colors shine through, in an enviable diversity.
The entire activity of the ensemble is professionally supported by the technical and administrative apparatus. Last but not least, we salute the presence of Mr. Gheorghe Porumbel, manager.
Each performance in which the “Doina Gorjului” Ensemble is present is not only a harmonious blend between choreography and music, but is a true artistic treasure that reveals itself to lovers of beauty.
The ensemble has participated in numerous tours, in the country and abroad (Spain, Portugal, Mexico, France, Turkey, Israel, Yugoslavia, etc.) and has obtained countless prizes and trophies. In 2002, it obtained the ETHNOS prize from the Ministry of Culture and Romanian Radio-Television, after which it participated in international festivals in Hungary and Turkey. “Doina Gorjului” is a constant presence at major folklore festivals in Romania, such as “The Golden Stag”, the Folklore Festival in Mamaia and others. Annually, this ensemble is the main organizer of the most resounding folkloric events in Gorj: the International Folklore Festival in August and the National Folk Song Festival “Maria Lătăretu” in November.
A perfect harmony between authenticity and professionalism – that is the secret of “Doina Gorjului’s” longevity!