The Romanian Musicians’ Performers’ Union Celebrates 30 Years with an Anniversary Gala

The Romanian Musicians’ Performers’ Union (UCIMR) is celebrating 30 years of activity with an Anniversary Gala, taking place on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 PM in the Grand Hall of the Romanian Athenaeum. The event will gather members of the artistic community, as well as representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Founded in 1995, UCIMR is a nonprofit organization of public utility that has contributed for three decades to the development of the Romanian cultural landscape by promoting authentic artistic values both nationally and internationally. The association supports performing arts, from soloists, choristers, and instrumentalists to dancers and ballet performers, through cultural projects that facilitate experience exchange and artist promotion across diverse platforms. UCIMR creates opportunities for emerging artists while also supporting retired musicians.

“In the 1990s, legislation regarding artists’ rights was full of uncertainties. Under Law No. 35/1994 on cultural stamps, which allowed only creative unions to benefit from these funds, the idea of an organization exclusively dedicated to supporting performing musicians emerged. The creative unions’ landscape lacked a segment for performing artists—the key transmitters of musical art to the public. This initiative laid the groundwork for the founding of UCIMR in 1995, the first association of performing artists dedicated exclusively to implementing cultural projects. For 30 years, UCIMR has enriched the Romanian cultural scene, promoted authentic Romanian artistic values abroad, created opportunities for young artists, and provided material support for retired musicians, helping retain artists in Romania despite the massive exodus,” said Ștefan Gheorghiu, UCIMR Founder and President.

UCIMR Awards

During the gala, Anniversary Awards will be presented to institutions, ensembles, groups, and distinguished personalities from the music world, honoring their lifelong artistic achievements. The awards will be handed out by members of the UCIMR Board of Directors, alongside representatives from the business and governmental sectors.

Excellence Awards Nominees:

• Chamber Music
  • ConTempo Quartet
  • Arcadia Quartet
  • PlaCello Quartet
• Instrumental Soloist
  • Remus Azoiței
  • Adrian Petrescu
  • Luiza Borac
• Vocal Soloist
  • Luiza Zan
  • Veronica Anușca
  • George Petean
• Jazz Ensemble
  • Amphitrio
  • Big Band Radio
  • Sorin Zlat Trio
• Folkloric Group
  • Transilvania National Folkloric Ensemble (Baia Mare)
  • Doina Gorjului Professional Artistic Ensemble (Târgu Jiu)
  • Ciprian Porumbescu Artistic Ensemble (Suceava)
• Cofinanced Projects
  • Enescu and the World of Music International Festival
  • The Road to Fame
  • Iosif Ivanovici National Brass Music Competition
  • Bârnova Artistic Vacations

Additionally, the Millennium Generation category will honor young performers, regardless of genre, in the “Vocal Performance” and “Instrumental Performance” sections, selected by a special jury. The total prize fund will exceed 100,000 lei.

Special Musical Performances:

The gala will feature outstanding musical moments, including:

• Overture from Verdi’s opera “La forza del destino”, performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic, conducted by Constantin Adrian Grigore;
• “Ballad” by George Enescu, performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic and soloist Remus Azoiței;
• “Muzica” from George Grigoriu’s operetta Valurile Dunării, performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic and soloist Veronica Anușca;
• Amphitrio & soloist Luiza Zan;
• “Romanian Suite,” arranged by Mihai Gherghelaș, performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic and soloist Monica Bejenaru;
• “Romanian Medley” by Sabin Păutza, performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic.