• Performance Culture: A Trip To Bucharest

    Date posted: May 22, 2012 Author: jolanta

    Perhaps most encouraging about Bucharest is the attitude towards its cultural icons.  Few other countries so boldly champion their contemporary artists.  One can never underestimate the necessity for humanism in an age so overly consumed with money in relation to art.  Leaving NYC for a moment put the arts in perspective, albeit only briefly.  That culture is a performative act and we are contributing to it, is the underlying subtext of the festival.  In Bucharest, this festival is at the center of raising public consciousness of an artistic giant to a higher level.

    “In celebrating the life, music and inspirational career of Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibdache, Bucharest is holding a 3 month long festival.”


    Downtown Bucharest, 2012.

     

     

    Performance Culture:  A Trip To Bucharest
    By NY Arts
    The Sergiu Celibdache 100 Festival is off and running in Bucharest this Summer.  In celebrating the life, music and inspirational career of Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibdache, Bucharest is holding a 3 month long festival.  NY Arts on report in Romania, had the chance to discuss this momentous occasion and its import for the city and the arts in Romania with the organizers. This first, exciting edition takes place during May 3rd – July 7th 2012 in Bucharest. And the festival is organized on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great Romanian conductor, the year 2012 being declared UNESCO Anniversary of Sergiu Celibidache. 

    Though his formative career as a conductor and teacher took place in Germany in the 60s and 70s, Celibidache’s import can be felt worldwide.  But perhaps most touching are the words of his son, president of the Foundation and filmmaker Sergiu Celibdache.  “The Sergiu Celibidache Festival 100 marks the beginning of a new musical area in Romania and it is directed to all lovers of music and beyond. We call all people to join in, from all ages and ethnic groups and follow their heart, the same way my father left his hometown of Iasi, Romania to follow his dream against all odds and become the international musician he was. The most important value of all is to believe it is possible to make one’s dream come true.”

    Serge Celibidache
    “Through the partnership with the Festival, ArCuB – Arts and Culture of Bucharest wishes to express, in a direct and concrete manner, its gratitude for the cultural heritage of maestro Sergiu Celibidache. Recovering this patrimony for the Romanian capital city is a commitment not only to Sergiu Celibidache’s creative genius, but also to his posterity.” Mihaela Păun, General manager of ArCuB – Centre for Cultural Projects of Bucharest Municipality

    “It is a great event for us, on the measure of the Maestro and Bucharest is honored and ready to be the host. These moments, that honor the memory of huge values of the Romanian Culture, recognized in the entire world, offer great opportunities to promote Bucharest. Sergiu Celibidache is one of the biggest Romanian personalities, that wrote history and left an incredible heritage to all of us, through his talent.”- Mayor of Bucharest, Sorin Oprescu

    The sensation of a new musical era and Celibidache’s legacy is examined in the new docu-drama “Sergiu Celibidache’s Garden.” A rare glimpse into the world of this private maestro, this film was one of the many highlights of the Sergiu Celibidache Festival, held in commemoration of his centennial. The film maintains a sense of intimacy because it was directed by Celibidache’s own son, and follows his father through rehearsals, tours, and his own private home. This intimate portrayal of an artist, conductor and man is quite moving.  In addition to the film premiere, the launch of Celibidache’s book, “On Music Phenomenology,” the release of his numismatic commemorative coin, and a series of master classes will be held in his honor. The cultural legacy and artistic footprint left by Celibidache is truly incalculable, and, in the words of Communication Director of the Foundation, Adela Vrinceanu, have left “such a valuable cultural heritage that has enriched us all as Romanians and above all, enriched us as humans.”

    Adela Vrinceanu.
    Perhaps most encouraging about Bucharest is the attitude towards its cultural icons.  Few other countries so boldly champion their contemporary artists.  One can never underestimate the necessity for humanism in an age so overly consumed with money in relation to art.  Leaving NYC for a moment put the arts in perspective, albeit only briefly.  That culture is a performative act and we are contributing to it, is the underlying subtext of the festival.  In Bucharest, this festival is at the center of raising public consciousness of an artistic giant to a higher level.  As Dann Deac aptly stated “his work is a manifesto against mediocrity.”

    The Sergiu Celibdache 100 Festival www.fundatia-celibidache.com is organized under the High Patronage of the President of Romania, In partnership with the City Hall of the Municipality of Bucharest, Co-producers: TVR and ArCub

Tickets to the first edition of the Festival “Sergiu Celibidache 100”, which will take place during May 3rd – July 7th, will be for sale starting Monday 9th of April 2012, through the Eventim network all throughout the country: Germanos, Orange, Vodafone, Domo, Humanitas Bookstores, Cărtureşti and online on www.eventim.ro

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