The launch of the "Path of Freedom" project took place yesterday, November 26^th, a unique initiative in the Romanian cultural landscape, brought to life by the pianist Ștefan Doniga and the violinist Diana Jipa. On December 14^th, 2024, the two artists will become the first Romanian musicians to perform a concert on King George Island in Antarctica at the Julio Escudero Scientific Station. Our colleague, Ioana Țintea, attended the event and she will share more details in her report.

Yesterday, Novemver 26^th, the bustling Departures Terminal of the Otopeni International Airport, was filled with the music of Ciprian Porumbescu, thanks to a recital by the pianist Ștefan Doniga and the violinist Diana Jipa. The event marked the official launch of the "Path of Freedom" project, during which the two musicians announced that they would be the first Romanian artists to perform in Antarctica. The initiative aims to earn Romania a GUINNESS World Record for a professional musical project. This event represents the final stage of a tour that began on September 7^th, 2024, in Brussels and has so far included concerts in Pretoria, Cebu, Auckland, New York, and Lima-each of these performances holding special significance related to the concept of freedom. On December 14^th, 2024, at 12:00 local time, the pianist Ștefan Doniga and the violinist Diana Jipa will hold the final recital on the White Continent at the Julio Escudero Scientific Base on King George Island, as part of the Chilean Government's Antarctic Cultural Program.

The reactions from the passengers passing through the"Henri Coandă" Airport came swiftly:

"Finally, Romania can be heard on other continents. Maybe someone up there truly loves us."

"This is a remarkable event. I think it's a great idea. It's moving, and I really want them to know that we love them and appreciate what they are doing. It's an extraordinary effort. I wish them good luck, a safe return, and we look forward to more events like this."

"Well done to them! This is a major achievement for us. It's a great honor to perform this ballad abroad. Very beautiful! Exceptional!"

The recital was followed by a press conference held in the intimate setting of the "Madrigal" Lounge at the "Henri Coandă" Airport, attended by the pianist Ștefan Doniga and the violinist Diana Jipa. The two musicians explained that their program, dedicated exclusively to Romanian music, aims to showcase the universality of Romania's cultural values. The recital at the Julio Escudero Scientific Station will feature works by George Enescu, Ciprian Porumbescu, and Dinu Lipatti, as well as selections from Romanian folklore.

Corina Ițcuș, a researcher at the Romanian Academy's Institute of Biology and vice president of the Om Adventures Association, also attended the conference and emphasized the project's importance in promoting Romanian culture globally.

Researcher Corina Ițcuș: "It's a success in Romanian music. A success for everything that art and education represent. It's a triumph for all of us. Ștefan saw me in one of the TV shows I participated in, where I was promoting Antarctica and my dream, which I fulfilled five times, while encouraging children, especially young people, to pursue their dreams. After seeing that show, Ștefan contacted me, and that's how this partnership came about. Though I didn't expect it to be so challenging to establish, it eventually came together. No words or documentaries could truly describe what you see there with your own eyes. And now, there will also be Romanian music. I'm proud to know them, and I'm proud to have contributed to their journey. I hope this will inspire more people to dream and, why not, fulfill those dreams."

Towards the end, we spoke with the two musicians:

Violinist Diana Jipa: "First of all, I can't believe this is happening! But as Ștefan said, we've built everything step by step, from one project to another, and each day we feel more and more prepared. There are still many things to finish, but we're eager to have this unique experience. Logistically, there were many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but we managed to overcome all of them."

Pianist Ștefan Doniga: "It's a dream come true. I don't even know what to think about first because we've worked so hard; it's been such a long journey. I didn't necessarily feel it was difficult, but it was full of crossroads where, if we hadn't chosen the right path, we wouldn't have been able to move forward. There were so many stages on this journey, all rooted in Romanian culture, all based on Romanian music. That is the most beautiful part. We're reaching the White Continent,carrying the fulfillment of our dreams and happiness."