The Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest hosts tomorrow, 30^th of January 2024, a vocal recital by countertenor Alexandru Costea and mezzo-soprano Alina Dragnea, accompanied by pianist Karina Uță. About the recital, the musical programme and more, we learn more from countertenor Alexandru Costea, in an interview by Sarah Natsis:

Alexandru Costea, you will perform in a vocal recital that is part of the "Tuesday evening season" at the Romanian Athenaeum. How did this invitation come about?

I received the invitation for this recital last year, when I was an ERASMUS student at the Parma Conservatory. I thought it was a great opportunity to promote what I studied in Parma - baroque music - and I am delighted to be able to perform in the Tuesday evening season. I would like to thank Cristina Sârbu for the invitation!

What can you tell us about your collaboration with mezzo-soprano Alina Dragnea and pianist Karina Uță. Have you had any other projects together?

I am very honoured that mezzo-soprano Alina Dragnea accepted my invitation to participate in this recital, given her experience in baroque music. I worked with the pianist Karina Uță during the SoNoRo masterclass last year in Montepulciano, and I thank her for accepting to be part of this project.

You will present an exclusive baroque programme. Tell us about its composition!

The programme that we will present to the public is indeed an exclusively Baroque one. We have selected representative pieces from this period that will offer a special musical experience. Composers from all periods of preclassicism from Claudio Monteverdi to Handel and many, many others.

Before dedicating yourself to studying music, you spent almost eight years in competitive swimming, a sport that brought you numerous medals. What do sport and music have in common in your opinion?

It requires discipline, concentration and perseverance. I have been privileged to express these values intensely in both competitive swimming and musical study. Both have helped me develop a strong mindset and push my limits. I am convinced that these qualities apply in any field and that hard work, passion and discipline can lead to success.

Finally, can you reveal some of the musical projects you are preparing for the near future?

The next project is a concert at the "George Enescu" Philharmonic, which will take place on February 10^th, at 11.00 am, with the Orchestra of the "George Enescu" National College of Music conducted by Gheorghe Iliuță. And in the evening, starting at 18.00, at the National Opera of Bucharest - the performance "Opera vie - Puccini Express", in the Experimental Studio "Ludovic Spiess", under the direction of director Alexandru Nagy. And on March 13^th, at the National Art Centre "Tinerimea Română", within the chamber music season, I will present another baroque recital with pianist Karina Uță.