On Wednesday, January 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the Bucharest National Opera will mark National Culture Day with a gala performance celebrating Romanian spirituality as a triadic manifestation of Faith, Art, and Identity.
This year, the newly appointed Minister of Culture, Natalia Intotero, has chosen the Bucharest National Opera as the venue for a gala dedicated to Romanian cultural and spiritual values. In her presence, some of Romania’s most admired and acclaimed artists and instrumentalists will perform, including the great pan flute virtuoso Gheorghe Zamfir, renowned singer Paula Seling, internationally celebrated soprano Cristina Păsăroiu, baritone Ștefan Ignat (renowned for his role in George Enescu’s Oedipe), and violinist and professor Simina Croitoru.
The gala will feature the host institution’s symphony orchestra under the baton of conductor Daniel Jinga, General Director of the Bucharest National Opera. Exceptional contributions will also come from prominent artistic ensembles, including the Madrigal-Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir (conducted by Anna Ungureanu) and the Cantus Domini Male Choir (conducted by Archdeacon Răzvan Constantin Ștefan).
National Culture Day, an annual Romanian holiday established in 2010, celebrates cultural activity, artistic endeavors, and academic achievements. January 15 was chosen to honor the birth of Romania’s national poet, Mihai Eminescu (1850–1889). In 2025, the country will commemorate the 175th anniversary of Eminescu’s birth.
This year’s program will highlight three iconic symphonic works by George Enescu: the unmistakable Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 (in an arrangement by choreographer Oleg Danovski, founder of Romania’s modern ballet school), the timeless Romanian Poem (featuring a fragment from Romania’s former royal anthem), and the romantic Ballad for Violin and Orchestra (performed by soloist Simina Croitoru).
The evening will also include a special recital by Maestro Gheorghe Zamfir, who will play two stunning pieces on his world-famous pan flute: The Lonely Shepherd and Folkloric Divertissement. Other highlights include Four Romanian Dances from Altița by Dan Dediu (arranged by choreographer Gigi Căciuleanu) and the legendary waltz My Sweet and Tender Beast by Eugen Doga (performed by Paula Seling).
National Culture Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of culture in shaping the social and spiritual fabric of the nation. Through this event, the Bucharest National Opera reaffirms its commitment to promoting authentic values and fostering intercultural dialogue, emphasizing the enduring significance of art and faith in defining Romanian identity.