The International Festival "Maria Bieșu invites" was inaugurated for the first time in the autumn of 1990 by the primadona of the National Opera, Maria Bieșu. She proposed that every autumn, Chisinau would become a center of opera music.
Today the festival has become one of the main symbols of culture in the Republic of Moldova. The festival is a celebration of classical culture, music and ballet. It is significant that this great holiday appeared during the National Renaissance, the festival preceded the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova.
Artists from different countries of the world participate at the festival "Maria Bieșu invites", presenting opera and ballet shows.
Each year the International Opera Festival gathers opera and ballet stars in Chisinau for 1 week in early autumn to entertain the audience with their performance of classical pieces.