Europe Day: Celebrating music and intercultural dialogue at the Romanian Athenaeum
The opening of the season!
April 1, 2025 | “Barock ba, Romantic” – A Musical Dialogue Across Eras
The season opened with “Barok ba, Romantic”, a concert exploring the fascinating contrasts and connections between Baroque and Romantic music. Conducted by Cristian Spătaru and featuring cellist Constantin Borodin, the program included works by C.P.E. Bach, Haydn, Webern, and Dvořák. Organized by Camerata Chișinău and the European Center of Bessarabian Artists, this event celebrated young talent and fostered intercultural dialogue supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute and the City Hall of Chișinău.
April 7–12, 2025 | Ion Voicu International Violin Competition
This prestigious competition showcased emerging violinists from around the world, culminating in a final performance with the George Enescu Philharmonic under conductor Gabriel Bebeșelea. Led by a distinguished jury including Mihaela Martin and Pavel Vernikov, the event offered young artists with mentorship and a grand stage at the Romanian Athenaeum.
Celebrating Europe
May 8–9, 2025 | Europe Day Concerts
Two free public concerts celebrated Europe Day with a repertoire emphasizing European unity and cultural identity. Highlights included Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Francis Poulenc’s dramatic monodrama La voix humaine, performed by mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier. These concerts drew a full house, underscoring music’s power to bring people together.
May 9, 2025 | Educational Event on European Values
The George Enescu Philharmonic hosted a special educational event featuring a guided tour of the Athenaeum and a presentation on its historical and architectural significance, led by musicologist Octavia Dinulescu. Attendees also enjoyed a recital by bassoonist Laurențiu Darie and pianist Ieronim Buga. With around 300 participants, including students and families, the event raised awareness of European heritage and cultural diversity —reinforcing the Philharmonic’s commitment to education, accessibility, and celebrating Europe’s cultural legacy through music.
May 17, 2025 | European Night of Museums
For the European Night of Museums, the Athenaeum opened its doors late into the evening, welcoming around 600 visitors. The program included a guided tour and a chamber music recital by the Athenaeum Resonance Ensemble, performing Rossini’s sonatas under the historic dome. Musicologist Cleopatra David offered reflections on music, heritage, and European identity, providing attendees with deeper insight into the importance of preserving shared values through open access to culture.
Looking Ahead: Athenaeum Summer Festival, June 14–15, 2025
The Athenaeum Summer Festival returns for its fourth edition, inviting audiences of all ages to enjoy a relaxed and diverse musical program. Featuring orchestras, choirs, and chamber ensembles, performances will take place both indoors and on the Athenaeum’s picturesque esplanade—celebrating the democratization of culture and the joy of music.
Experience the vibrant cultural life of the Romanian Athenaeum and join upcoming concerts and festivals that celebrate European heritage through music.
