The third edition of the "Smile of Music" International Tour, featuring soprano Teodora Gheorghiu and pianist Diana Ionescu, continues on Monday, 26th of October, 2026, with a recital scheduled in the Grand Hall of the Romanian Athenaeum, starting at 7:00 p.m. On this ocassion, soprano Teodora Gheroghiu spoke with our colleague, Cristina Cîrjan.

The "Smile of Music" tour has reached its third edition. How has this project evolved from one edition to the next, and what's new about this year's recitals?

Every year I try to put together a program that's as eclectic, diverse and interesting as possible, featuring works from as many eras as possible, to introduce something new, perhaps pieces that haven't been heard very often in Romania. This year, I've put together a very interesting program.

You're back on stage alongside the pianist Diana Ionescu. Can you tell us how your artistic collaboration came about and what makes the dialogue between voice and the piano so special on this tour?

Diana Ionescu and I have been friends for a very long time. We've been singing together for many years and have come to know each other exceptionally well. That's precisely why our collaboration is so enjoyable and, I'd say, effortless, because we know exactly what our musical ideas are and what we want from a piece. The collaboration works exceptionally well.

The tour reached several cities in Romania and also included a recital in Vienna. How did this encounters with audiences in different cities feel like?

It's always very moving, because in Romania we try to go to places where there may be less access to this kind of recital. We've always been very well received, and the audience is incredibly eager to hear this kind of music. Vienna is a very special place for me, and it was incredibly moving to return, in a way, home.

Given your international career, what does it mean to you to perform Romanian works, and what distinctive features do you discover in the music of George Enescu, George Ștefănescu and Tiberiu Brediceanu?

I've always tried to include Romanian music in my recitals, especially works connected to the folklore. It's very important beacuse we go on tour and have these performances for the diaspora as well. It's very important to bring them a little comfort and ease their homesickness.

The tour arrives at the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the iconic venues in Romanian musical life. How do you feel about this return to the stage of the Romanian Athenaeum, and what place does it hold in your artistic journey?

I think the Romanian Athenaeum is an extraordinarily special place for any musician. The hall is wonderful, with fantastic acoustics and a rich history. That's why it's always a great joy to return to the Romanian Athenaeum, as well as to Bucharest.