Most of the time, the series About music and life places into the foreground the individual, the musician whose name you already knew from the posters of our musical events or from the covers of various recorded productions; the juxtaposition of the words spoken by the artists in question with the musical pages they have recorded tries to round out portraits that may be more or less familiar to some music lovers.

Starting from 11th November, at 7:00 PM, Radio România Muzical offers you a glimpse into the performance world seldom brought into the spotlight: that of the lowest-pitched of the stringed and bowed instruments, one which secures the "foundation" of the symphonic sound, while allowing diverse compositional explorations, within genres, and stylistic approaches. Mr. Stefan Thomasz has devoted decades of activity to the double bass, serving from the principal rostrum of this instrumental section on the stage of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra - the ensemble where he has performed since his student years, from 1966 onwards. He has also dedicated his pedagogical pursuits to this instrument, teaching in the low strings department at the National University of Music in Bucharest. And beyond these roles, the broadening of the double bass repertoire through transcriptions and adaptations has been a constant focus throughout his career. A true gentleman of the present day, whose calm and courtesy reflect not only the upbringing he received at home in Timișoara, but also his inner nature, in which seriousness and respect are expressed through kindness and warmth he radiates with elegance and great discretion, Professor Stefan Thomasz was honoured in the Great Hall of the Romanian Athenaeum on the occasion of his 80th birthday, on the initiative of his former pupils, who are now part of distinguished European orchestral ensembles. Yet on stage, dozens of double bassists from across the country, representing all the institutions and higher music education establishments, alongside with some renowned artists with notable international careers, as a tribute to a worthy successor of the Romanian school of double bass, one that has esteemed worldwide thanks to the excellence of its representatives. The appreciation for the celebrated musician was audible, visible and palpable not only on stage but also in the hall, where a large audience was captivated both by the significance of the moment and its sheer impact: the double bass became a "star", multiplied to the scale of an entire orchestra! Recently, Stefan Thomasz received another token of international recognition through his inclusion in the String Virtuoso gallery, having transcriptions of compositions for other instruments published for him in the UK, thus making them accessible to the double bass - a field in which the musician has worked since his student years, with great rigor and attention.

Speaking with gratitude and emotion about the ones who guided his steps into the music world and those who have supported him throughout the years, Stefan Thomasz also offers us the opportunity to perceive and understand certain musical aspects from different perspectives, some of which are surprising.