EUROPAfest 2016 toes the line- 10 days of jazz, blues, pop and classic

EUROPAfest festival kicks off on Thursday, May 12 with 2 Opening Gala EUROPAfest concerts performed in various cities. The only festival in Europe bringing together the jazz, blues, pop and classic music will welcome over 300 musicians from 43 countries ready to perform in various venues in Bucharest and Sibiu. Under the slogan “It’s all about live quality music!”, the festival celebrates 23 years of good music, being under the Royal House’ s patronage for 11 years.

So, the no.23 edition will start at Odeon Theatre in Bucharest on Thursday, as of 8 p.m. with concerts performed by CAROLINA from UK/USA (which also includes Terry Lees, the UK National Guitarist of the Year) and by DAN PAPIRANY BAND, rejoining musicians from Australia and New Zealand.

At the same time on Thursday, violinist Ekaterina Valiulina from Russia/Switzerland will perform in Sibiu at the Thalia Hall, starting 7 p.m, next to the Philharmonic Orchestra from Sibiu.

During May 14-21 the Capital city will be animated by the concerts of Bucharest International Jazz Competition, ranked by BBC among the first three jazz contests in Europe. Teatrelli Hall will host concerts by two or three bands that will reveal the latest jazz trends in USA, Canada, Europe, South America or Asia. Overall, 25 artist bands from 26 countries will entertain the audience. The ticket is RON 30.

During May 15-21, the 23rd edition of Jeunesses International Music Competition Dinu Lipatti will take place, getting together 100 pianists in 35 countries who will race for prizes mounting to EUR 10,000. Pupils and students have free access in the limit of the available seats.

During May 13-20, after-hours performances are due under the Caffe Festival Ibis brand. Every night from 8 p.m., the unconventional space of Ibis North Station Café will host musicians from the new jazz wave. The entrance is RON 39 and includes a drink of choice.

Sibiu will host symphonic concerts at Thalia Hall, during May 12-20. The peak event is the Best World Pianists where the best pianists in the competition will perform next to the State Philharmonic Orchestra in Sibiu.

Masterclasses and workshops for jazz and piano are to be held during May 17-20, with the most expected one being run by American artist Jane Solose.

The festival will end with EUROPAfest Gala on May 21, with the winners being presented and the best bands and pianists performing. The Royal House will award the Excellence Diploma.

Further details at www.EUROPAfest.ro.