Nelly Ciobanu leaves for Moscow

Moldova's representative at Eurovision, Nelly Ciobanu, will have her first rehearsal in Moscow on May 6. Before leaving, the singer gave a news conference in Chisinau. She said she hoped to get on a position among the first 10 in the contest, Info-Prim Neo reports. The 54th edition of the Eurovision song contest will take place in Moscow after Russian singer Dima Bilan won the trophy last year. Moldova's representative will enter the second semi-final under the number 15, on May 14. In case she passes over the pre-selection, she will perform in the big final on May 16 in the Olympiisky Sports Complex from Moscow. Nelly Ciobanu said she will be backed by four dancers from the Joc dance ensemble and by the singer Gicu Cimbir. “I have not decided yet what I will wear on the stage. I will have to choose between two costumes,” the artist said. Her video “Hora din Moldova” was edited from video clips sent by the public to the site www.hora.md. The song was promoted in the Netherlands, Belgium and Romania. According to the organizers, on May 16, in the Great National Assembly in Chisinau, the Eurovision Song Contest relay will be followed by o concert performed by the Moldovan finalists in this contest the last years. Moldova attends this context for the fifth time in a row. The debut was made in 2005 by “Zdob si Zdub" who got on the sixth position. In 2006, in Athens, Moldova was represented by the duet of Arsenium and Natalia Gordienco, who got the 20th. In 2007, Natalia Barbu got on position 10. In 2008, Moldova was represented by Geta Burlacu, who did not qualify for the big final.