Eugen Rachiteanu: As part of the events marking the 28th anniversary of Radio România Muzical's first broadcast, on Friday, April 11th, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Catholic Church in Sinaia will host an extraordinary recital by violinist Alexandru Tomescu. On this occasion, Father Eugen Rachiteanu, the parish priest of the Sinaia church, spoke with Ioana Țintea.

Father Eugen Rachiteanu, the Catholic Church in Sinaia will host an extraordinary recital by violinist AlexandruTomescu on April 11th, as part of the "Radio România Muzical Encounters" series. How did this collaboration come about?

This collaboration started from our connection with Maestro Tomescu. And when it was decided to celebrate the anniversary of Radio România Muzical, the idea came up to organize events both at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Bucharest and here, at our church in Sinaia. Why? Because in this beautiful church recently restored, we host many cultural events that are very close to people's hearts. And not only for the people of Sinaia many of those who attend come from Bucharest or nearby towns, traveling here to enjoy something beautiful, something for the soul, something that helps us grow as human beings and spiritually. That's why it was decided that the Radio România Muzical celebration should take place not only in Bucharest, but also here, in Sinaia a true cultural city.

What impact do you think a recital organized under the Radio România Muzical brand has on the spiritual life of both the local parish community and the tourists who visit Sinaia?

We are truly excited! This is a wonderful moment we have been looking forward to. We have promoted this event a lot, and we are certain its impact will be significant. Why? Because Maestro Tomescu brings to us what is most beautiful in life, especially through that extraordinary violin and through his artistry he lifts our hearts and souls towards the highest peaks, towards God, towards a deeply spiritual experience.

We have received many messages from the people who participate in our activities, saying: "Father, we can't wait for this event!" It will have a significant impact among people. We've also received messages from certain priests who told us they wish to attend as well. So, it's for everyone, for the spirit, for the body, for the soul, for everything. It truly is a special event, and we are genuinely happy to be a part of the joy of Radio România Muzical's celebration.

Do you think by organizing events like these in partnership with Radio România Muzical is a good way to promote classical music?

This is exactly what we aim for to reach the younger generation, because teenagers, children, and young adults all need to listen to good music. And I, as someone who travels the country by car, always have Radio România Muzical on, and indeed, it's one of the essential aspects of education. I'm sure that this impact will have a positive outcome among young people. We also wish to collaborate, and we genuinely hope to have, just as we will this time, a discussion with the audience after the concert, so they can ask questions and receive answers. We all need this good music, and the collaboration is excellent. We would like this partnership to be ongoing, not just a one-time thing, but a long-lasting one here, in Sinaia.

How do you view the activity of Radio România Muzical within the Romanian media landscape, given its diversity? What are the main differences compared to other platforms that promote classical music?

I want to be very clear: it's unparalleled. From what I've listened to, and I listen a lot of radio, Radio România Muzical truly stands out, always offering music of exceptional quality, which is much needed by the people I talk to and meet. We need this connection with good music and Radio România Muzical truly provides that. So, it has no equal, because you bring such wonderful music! I study with the music from the radio. If you check my computer or phone, you'll always find the Radio România Muzical platform open. I find myself in it, I am part of this project that you've created.

In the context of modern life, where people are increasingly busy and often disconnected from the spiritual dimension, do you believe that music, and especially such a recital, can become a form of prayer or introspection?

Indeed, this very form of art helps a person rise to the highest peaks. It truly offers a profound encounter through music with what faith means, with what transcendence means, with beauty - in fact, with what is sacred, because music is the vehicle that takes us directly to the most beautiful experiences of faith and love. It makes us free in front of our own consciousness, in front of our own existence. And indeed, music is fundamental, and sometimes it is even a medicine, I dare say.