The fifth edition of the Ligeti Festival is currently taking place in Cluj-Napoca and Târnăveni. Musicologist Cristina Pascu, who oversees public relations for the festival, spoke with Ioana Țintea about the events so far.

Cristina Pascu, the Ligeti Festival is nearing its end. How has this edition unfolded so far, and how has the audience responded to the events since the festival began on May 22^nd?

So far, the Ligeti Festival has truly been a celebration of contemporary creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. This edition has been particularly moving, as it is held In memoriam of Bianca Țiplea Temeș, the festival's founder. Throughout the festival, we've all reflected on her remarkable personality and the legacy she left behind. We've met incredible people she brought together, inspired, or deeply respected - many of whom took part in the musicology conference. One especially emotional moment was the concert by Lukas Ligeti, György Ligeti's son, held in the synagogue in Târnăveni, György Ligeti's hometown. We also organized competitions in musicology and visual arts, honouring the interdisciplinary spirit that Bianca Țiplea Temeș championed. Another highlight was the screening of Nosferatu, featuring an original score by Violeta Dinescu, performed live by Trio Contraste. So yes, this has truly been a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary celebration of the arts - just as Bianca Țiplea Temeș would have envisioned.

Looking ahead to the festival's closing event, what can you tell us about the concert scheduled for May 31^st?

The festival wraps up on Saturday with a performance by Ensemble Couleur, a young contemporary music ensemble trained, led and conducted by Alexandru Morariu. The spotlight will also be on Aurelian Băcan, our composer-in-residence, who is not only a composer but also a clarinettist - a complete musician. The concert will feature his works, with soprano Diana Țugui performing. The event will take place at the "Gheorghe Dima" National Academy of Music in Cluj, and admission is free.

What are your plans for future editions of the Ligeti Festival?

We aim to further develop the festival, particularly its interdisciplinary aspects - such as film screenings - and also to expand with satellite events in other cities, and perhaps even in other countries. This event is of great interest to many international musicologists and researchers.