The Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing organizes, between May 5–11, 2026, a series of classical music concerts performed by the chamber ensembles Duo Aperto and Strings IN ConnectiON, marking Europe Day (May 9) and Romania’s Independence Day (May 10). The events will take place in Beijing, Yangzhou, and Gaoyou, bringing together distinguished Romanian musicians: violinist Ladislau Csendes, pianist Dolores Chelariu, and composer Cătălin Crețu.
The concert series opens on May 5 at 18:30 at the 024 Lifestyle Concert Hall in Beijing, with free admission, and continues on May 9 at 19:00 at the historic Huguang Huiguan Theatre in Beijing, an emblematic venue of Chinese cultural heritage with a tradition spanning more than two centuries. The May 9 concert, dedicated to Europe Day, will serve as a bridge between European classical music and Chinese musical traditions, exploring the fusion of tradition and modernity through a performance combining elements of Beijing Opera with contemporary European musical language, including electronic rhythms, while creatively engaging the historical architectural space in the heart of China’s capital.
On May 10 at 19:00, at Yangzhou Concert Hall, the public is invited to a recital dedicated to Romania’s Independence Day, opened by remarks from the Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing, highlighting the historical significance of the occasion. Admission to this concert will be free, based on registration via QR code. The series concludes on May 11 at 19:00 at Gaoyou Concert Hall, with another concert offered free of charge to the public.
The proposed musical program reflects a dialogue between tradition and modernity, bringing together works by Romanian and international composers including George Enescu, Octavian Nemescu, Peng Zhiye, Tiberiu Olah, Cătălin Crețu, and Béla Bartók. The repertoire combines classical creation with contemporary music and electroacoustic elements, offering audiences a complex and innovative artistic experience.
Duo Aperto, formed by Ladislau Csendes (violin) and Dolores Chelariu (piano), has been an established presence on the international music scene since 1990, acclaimed for its refined artistic interpretations and commitment to the promotion of contemporary music. The Strings IN ConnectiON project expands this artistic formula by integrating multimedia and electroacoustic dimensions under the coordination of composer Cătălin Crețu, internationally recognized for his contributions to contemporary and interdisciplinary music.
The organization of these concerts is part of the Romanian Cultural Institute’s 2022–2026 strategy within the framework dedicated to cultural diplomacy. The project contributes to the promotion of Romanian cultural values in China, strengthening intercultural dialogue and highlighting the role of art as an instrument of connection between peoples.
Through this initiative, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing reaffirms its commitment to supporting Romanian artistic creation and to building lasting cultural bridges between Romania and China.
