On Monday, November 27th, 2023, the series of concerts organized by the "George Enescu" Philharmonic to celebrate Romania's National Day and the 155th anniversary of the institution's founding began. The soloist for the occasion is cellist Andrei Ioniță, an artist-in-residence at the "George Enescu" Philharmonic for the 2023-2024 season. He will give us more information about the events and beyond, in an interview conducted by Sarah Natsis:

Mr. Andrei Ioniță, you are performing together with the Symphony Orchestra of the "George Enescu" Philharmonic in three concerts on the occasion of Romania's National Day. The first one took place yesterday at the "Sinopoli" Hall of the "Parco della Musica" Auditorium in Rome. Could you give us with some impressions? What was the atmosphere like during the concert?

I was happy to be back in Rome, especially together with the home orchestra, the "George Enescu" Philharmonic. It was a celebratory moment. An unique occasion to perform on one of the stages of "Santa Cecilia" complex here, in Rome. And we were happy to be the cultural ambassadors of Romania abroad.

How would you describe the concert hall?

It is a hall of more than a thousand seats, with very good acoustics and a pleasant atmosphere. We enjoyed performing in the "Sinopoli" hall, although I must admit, we can hardly wait to come to the Athenaeum stage and present this wonderful program to our home audience.

As you previously said, the same concert will be performed again Wednesday and Thursday at the Romanian Athenaeum Bucharest. Would you like to send an invitation to those listening to us right now?

Of course! For those who haven't left Bucharest for this short break yet, I launch an invitation to come tomorrow and the day after, on November 29th and 30th, to the Romanian Athenaeum for an extraordinary concert with the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Leo Hussain - concerts dedicated to Romania's National Day. On the program is Joseph Haydn's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in C major, as well as other Romanian works or pieces inspired by the Romanian folklore. We look forward to seeing you!

This year marks 155 years since the first concert of the "George Enescu" Philharmonic and 135 years since the inauguration of the Romanian Athenaeum. How would you describe the relationship you have with this institution in Bucharest?

My debut took place in 2016 (I believe) alongside the Philharmonic Crchestra. Since then, we have collaborated many times. It's an organic relationship that has evolved over the seasons. For example, last night, I felt extremely comfortable in the company of the orchestra, I felt free. It's also a joy to return to the stage of the Romanian Athenaeum and as an artist in residence for the 2023-2024 season at the Philharmonic in Bucharest.

As a conclusion, I would like to tell you what significance Romania's National Day holds for you.

The National Day is, above all, a day dedicated to all Romanians, both within the borders of Romania and beyond. I believe that's precisely why the decision to hold the concert in Rome was an inspired choice and initiative-to bring Romanian music to international stages on the occasion of the National Day.