Clarinet player Andrei Caval has returned to the country to hold a recital tomorrow, May 27th, 2025, together with pianist Ionuț Diaconu, during the Tuesday night performance at the Romanian Athenaeum.They will be joined on stage by clarinet player Sabin Caval, our star's brother and special guest of the evening.

Tomorrow, at the Romanian Athenaeum, you'll be performing pieces by Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Max Reger, Gioachino Rossini and Vittorio Monti. How did you put together this recital's program?

I thought up this program because it explores strong contrasts and brings out the rich tones, the expressivity and the versatility of the clarinet. Another reason that made me choose this program is the ARD Competition in Munich. I've been selected to participate in it in September and these works are part of the required repertoire.

The special guest of the evening is clarinet player Sabin Cava. How would you describe the musical collaboration between you and your younger brother?

Collaborating with my brother brings me great joy and pride. He started studying clarinet only four years ago and his progress has been remarkable. I remember his first clarinet classes, when I would teach him how to blow on the instrument, and now I'm truly proud to be on the Athenaeum's stage with him in such a short time. He's only 16, he's studying at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, in England, and starting from September he'll be leaving to the United States with a scholarship to study at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Please, tell us a little about your collaboration with pianist Ionuț Diaconu as well.

He was my classmate at the "George Enescu" National College of Music. I'm glad that we're seeing each other again and cllaborating on this project.

The Romanian public will have the chance to see perform tomorrow during a chamber recital, but you also often perform solo or as part of an orchestra. You also have a rich teaching career. In what way do these different paths influence your perspective on music?

This was and continues to be my dream, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to have a career, and create a diverse career by going in multiple directions. This variety is what helps me evolve, both as a musician and as a person. I'd say that each of these experiences inspire me in a different way. I had the chance to serve as principal clarinet in orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra of London or the New York City Ballet, and in 2017 I was principal clarinet in England's National Youth Orchestra. As a soloist, I'd say the focus shifts, it falls on personal expression, the depth of your performance and adopting a coherent and convincing musical language. On the educational side, I teach clarinet at the Long Island Conservatory of Music in New York. I've also taught private classes and even online, where I've had the chance to work with students from all over the world. Teaching is very important to me because it's a constant source of reflection and renewal. I'm always learning more about the instrument, but also about people, about myself, and it helps me reevaluate my own methods and keep my musical perspective fresh.

You're an alumnus of the renowned Juilliard School in New York. You've performed on important stages in Europe and the United States. How does it feel to be back in the country?

The feeling of being back in the country and performing here is very stirring, because it's my first recital in Romania since leaving back in 2014. What I wish for with all my heart is to create a bond with the audience here. I also hope to develop bonds with as many Romanian musicians as possible. I wish I'll have more opportunities to return to the stage in Romania, at home.