Between May 16th- 18th, the "Gheorghe Dima" National Academy of Music in Cluj-Napoca and the Academic College in the city are hosting a series of events dedicated to the personality of the composer Sigismund Toduță, on the occasion of the 115th anniversary of his birth. We learn more details from professor Ecaterina Banciu, president of the "Sigismund Toduță" Foundation, with whom Ioana Țintea talked.

Mrs. Ecaterina Banciu, on May 16th the first event of the Sigismund Toduță project takes place: 3D Effigy dedicated to the creative personality of Sigismund Toduță. What is the idea of this approach reflected in the title of the project?

We have fixed two days of symposia that focus on the title Memory of the scene, music rewritten. We wanted to reconstruct, re-edit and bring back to the public some works that have been neglected or rejected.

How should the project be viewed in the current Romanian cultural context through the prism of the greatness of Sigismund Toduță?

Sigismund Toduță is a true mentor because he was the most titled composer of that period, holding a doctorate from Santa Cecilia. The personality of Sigismund Toduță is of enormous importance for the Romanian culture and for the culture of Cluj, in particular, both through the erudition of this composer, teacher, musicologist, and through his cultural activity. He is the one who was the rector of the Music Academy, back then it was called Gheorghe Dima Music Conservatory. He was also the director of the Cluj Philharmonic, and within this institution he founded the mixed choir that continues its activity with international success today.

How is the series of events broadly structured?

The series of events continues with an opening at an international symposium. It is both physical and online, and these two days dedicated to Romanian and international musicology continue the series with two recitals, a recital of classical and contemporary music performed by three generations. In the second evening, the disciples of Sigismund Toduță are commemorated on the very day of the master. It is on May 17th, and on May 18th there will be two masterclasses. The masterclass for organ conducting, musicology and composition is concluded with the festive concert at the philharmonic hall.

Why is this concert special?

This concert is special in that Symphony no. 3 Ovidiu has not been sung in Cluj for over 60 years. It is a monumental symphony, it has modern language, but it is so well built, so well constructed, that the audience will not realize that it is a 20th century work.

Who are the artists involved in the Sigismund Toduță: 3D Effigy project?

The artists are ours. The school in Cluj, they were very attracted to this project and that makes us very happy.