On 9^th October, 2012, pianist Shani Diluka performed a recital at the Romanian Athenaeum, during the Debussy Day, event organised by the George Enescu Philharmonic and the French Institute.

We took this opportunity to interview her.

This is your second time in Romania. What thoughts come to your mind?

I am delighted to be here again. On my first visit I had an excellent time, not only socially, but also musically, when I performed at the George Enescu Museum. The Romanian Athenaeum is a mythical place for musicians everywhere and I am glad to be here. During rehearsals, I discovered the wonderful acoustics, and the special atmosphere that reigns here. I'm therefore happy to be in Bucharest for the Debussy Day.

What does Debussy's music evoke to you?

In my opinion, he is a composer who truly overturned music composition language in a very short period of time. Debussy`s music and poetry are inseparable. That is why, I was so happy when the French Institute suggested that Debussy's music, and the compositions of his favourite poets should be entwined: Verlaine, Baudelaire, Mallarmé, wrote poems that inspired Debussy. I wanted to offer this poetic perspective to the audience here in Bucharest, so that we can truly enter Debussy's universe: sensuous, impressionist, evoking landscapes and shapeless figures. The most beautiful connection is established between music and poetry. I rarely associate the latter in my recitals; however this was a special occasion, as Debussy found great inspiration in poetry.