The musical soirees in Bucharest opened with the recital held Wednesday, July 14, 2010, by the violinist Mihaela Martin and the German pianist Thomas Hoppe. Before that, I asked each of the two artists for one short interview.

Mrs. Mihaela Martin, the feelings come back in Romania?

I come back with feelings of joy. As always, every opportunity to sing for the Romanian audience makes me very happy.

You open the Musical evenings at the Romanian Athenaeum. How do you regard this summer festival in Bucharest?

It seems an excellent idea because, thus it creates continuity between the normal season of concerts and the public in Bucharest can enjoy concerts during the summer as well in a vacation-like atmosphere. I think it is a very intelligent initiative.

Is there in the program a work or more that are closer to you, or that you like more?

The entire program is based on the concept of choosing works which I am very attached to, works meant to attract the public and create a pleasant concert atmosphere. So all the works presented are chosen to comply with such requirements.

You play with the pianist Thomas Hoppe. How is the collaboration between you and him?

We have been working together for many years. He is an excellent pianist; he has a large experience in chamber music and in all situations involving the idea of a partner to make music: sonatas, virtuoso pieces. He has a trio, a very good ensemble. I therefore consider him a wonderful pianist.

***

We found out more about Mr. Thomas Hoppe's opinion about his collaboration with Mihaela Martin and his views on Romania, in the following interview:

To begin with, I would like to ask you to describe your artistic collaboration with Mihaela Martin.

Oh, it is always a huge satisfaction because Mihaela Martin is a fantastic artist with an extraordinary character. We have already played several times together and every time our collaboration has been extremely pleasant.

Have you been to Romania before?

I've been here a few times. I played here with a trio, which included a piano, at the "George Enescu" Festival and ever since last year I have been coming here because I have many friends in Romania.

So you're quite familiar with our country.

Very familiar! I love the food, I love the language and, last but not least, I really like the people here.

What is your opinion about the festivals held during the summer?

In general, I think it is a fantastic idea and I wonder why there are not more such festivals in Romania, because, especially in the summer, I think people want to come and listen to concerts. So, I hope this festival will be successful and become permanent.

One question which I addressed to Mihaela Martin as well: do you have any favourite work in this music program?