On Wednesday, the 16th of October, The Radio Chamber Orchestra will have its first concert of the new season on Radio Hall's stage. On this occasion, David Grimal will come back to Radio Hall, both as soloist and conductor. More details about his reunion with the musicians of the ensemble we'll find out from the french violinist:

You are the first musician to be invited as resident artist of the Radio Chamber Orchestra. What attracted you most about this proposal from Radio România?

I've been playing with the Radio Chamber Orchestra for a couple of years every season, and I feel like I have become a close friend of the members of the orchestra. Also, I consider it to be a suitable moment in my life, because I recently ended the Les Dissonances project, which I've coordinated for 20 years. Now I have time to dedicate myself to other things. My relationship with Romania is extremely strong. The profound love and friendship towards music guide me through this journey. I believe that in the Radio Chamber Orchestra there are wonderful musicians and there is an extraordinary opportunity to develop a beautiful collaboration. I hope that each time we will sing together to sing better and better, to truly enjoy the music and, why not, to have fun.

During the three seasons, what sort of projects do you have alongside the orchestra?

I believe we have to talk about this a bit more to see what can be done and what cannot, considering that there is already a big orchestra in Radio. So, I cannot offer too many precise details regarding the repertoire and the frequency of my presence, but I will surely choose a very interesting repertoire, for the musicians, but also for the public and of course, me.

Going back to the concert on the 16th of October, in the opening of the night at Radio Hall, you will perform Concerto BWV 1052 by Bach, known to the public as a harpsichord version. How do you relate to this adaptation for violin?

Well, I discovered this adaptation because of one of my Romanian students, Stefan Șimonica-Oprița, who is a wonderful violinist, and I am extremely happy to mention his name here. He played it for me; I didn't know it and I liked it very much. So I decided to learn it. The original is for harpsichord, and that is why there are many notes which are not suitable for a violin performance, but the music is wonderful, just like this arrangement for violin. So I am delighted.

The chamber symphony op. 110a by Shostakovici is, originally, a quartet. How do you describe this arrangement for chamber orchestra signed by Rudolf Barshai?

First of all, Rudolf Barshai was a very close friend of Shostakovich, and this arrangement was created with his absolute approval. It is an extremely famous piece, very special and profound. I think that considering the times we are living in right now, when we have to deal with many wars and people suffering all over again, this music resonates strongly with our hearts.