Pianist Dominik Ilisz will perform as a soloist with the Radio Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Christian Câșleanu, during a special concert event on November 11, 2026. Joining Dominik Ilisz, a former scholarship recipient of the "Heirs of Musical Romania" program, will be cellist Sofia Blându (the 2025 scholarship recipient) and guitarist Dragoș Ilie (also a former scholarship recipient of the program). In an interview with Ioana Țintea, pianist Dominik Ilisz discussed the significance of the "Heirs of Musical Romania" program, as well as his own artistic journey.

To begin, I would like to talk about your professional path. You started your piano studies in Romania and later continued your training at the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Could you tell us a bit about your years of study and the experiences that shaped you-and that continue to influence your artistic development?

I began my musical studies in Romania, and later had the opportunity to continue my training at the University of Vienna. It is a great honor for me to be here. I am currently in Professor Christopher Hinterhuber's class; I completed my undergraduate studies with distinction this year and am now pursuing a master's degree at the same university. I am also studying concurrently in Oradea, in Professor Horia Maxim's class. I believe that every stage and every teacher has contributed significantly to my development, both as a pianist and as a musician.

You have participated in significant national and international competitions, and in 2024, you were nominated by Radio România Muzical for the International Classical Music Awards in the "Young Artist of the Year" category. How significant were these experiences for your artistic development, and what did this nomination mean to you?

For me, being nominated for an International Classical Music Award was a great honor and, at the same time, an important recognition of my music. I was truly delighted that Radio România Muzical placed its trust in me and supported me on an international level. It also served as an additional motivation to continue growing as a musician.

You have also participated several times in the competition for the "Heirs of Musical Romania" scholarship-a program initiated by Radio România Muzical with the support of the Rotary Club Pipera. What prompted you to enter this competition for the first time?

If I recall correctly, the first time, I wanted to win a new instrument. Ultimately, thanks to the "Heirs of Musical Romania" scholarship, I had the opportunity to perform several concerts-I was very happy to be able to play in both Brașov and Bucharest. I decided to participate because it presented an extraordinary opportunity for a young musician. I was particularly drawn to the chance to perform alongside professional orchestras in Romania. It is an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.

As part of the "Heirs of Musical Romania" project, you had the opportunity to perform alongside the Radio Chamber Orchestra in 2022, and now you are returning to the same stage for the concert on November 11th. Which work will you be performing this time, and how do you feel about this new encounter with the Radio Chamber Orchestra after four years?

I am really looking forward to the concert. I chose Mozart's Concerto No. 23 in A major because it is one of his works that resonates most deeply with me. At first glance, the music seems very bright and simple, but beneath this simplicity lies an extraordinary depth. The second movement, the Adagio, moves me profoundly; it possesses a unique sadness and sincerity-qualities we rarely encounter in this form in Mozart's music. I am truly excited about the concert, especially since I will have the chance to play with the Radio Chamber Orchestra once again. It is a great honor for me to return to the stage of the Radio Hall. I hope it will be a beautiful evening, where we can share the joy of making music together with the audience.