The Romanian Cultural Institute in London presents Metamorphosis, a recital by Duo Kitharsis, one of Romania’s leading classical guitar ensembles, as part of the Enescu Concert Series.
The programme will be performed on 4 June 2026, 7:00pm at the Romanian Cultural Institute in London, and on 5 June 2026, 1:05pm at St Bartholomew the Great, as part of the lunchtime concert series organised by the City Music Society.
Metamorphosis explores the idea of transformation across musical forms and traditions, bringing together works from the Romantic and modern piano repertoire, reimagined for two classical guitars. Through their own arrangements, Duo Kitharsis reveals new tonal and expressive dimensions in the music of Frédéric Chopin, while the programme extends into the sound world of tango nuevo with Primavera Porteña by Astor Piazzolla. The programme also includes Geamparock by Cătălin Ștefănescu-Pătrașcu, a contemporary work dedicated to the duo, alongside George Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, presented in a version for two guitars.
PROGRAMME
Frédéric
Chopin (1810–1849)
Waltz, Op. 69 No. 2*
Mazurka, Op. 68 No. 2*
Nocturne, Op. 72 No. 1*
Waltz, Op. 64 No. 1*
Prélude, Op. 28 No. 4*
Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2*
Astor
Piazzolla (1921–1992)
Primavera Porteña*
Cătălin
Ștefănescu-Pătrașcu (b. 1971)
Geamparock**
George
Enescu (1881–1955)
Romanian Rhapsody No. 1*
* Arrangements for two guitars by
Duo Kitharsis
** Work dedicated to Duo Kitharsis
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Romanian
Cultural Institute in London
1 Belgrave Square
4 June 2026, 7:30pm - BOOK HERE
St
Bartholomew the Great
5 June 2026, 1:05pm - no need to book
Part of the lunchtime concert series organised by the City Music Society
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Duo Kitharsis – Alexandra Petrișor and Dragoș Horghidan – has been active on the international stage since 2009, establishing itself as one of the most distinctive classical guitar ensembles of its generation. Trained in Bucharest, Stuttgart and Strasbourg, the duo has worked closely with leading figures in the field, including the renowned Duo Melis. Their artistic approach is defined by a refined balance between performance and transcription, with a particular focus on expanding the repertoire for two guitars. They have performed extensively across Europe and beyond, including appearances in the UK at St Martin-in-the-Fields, where their performances were met with critical and audience acclaim. Their international activity also includes concerts in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and India, as well as participation in major guitar festivals. Their discography includes Duo Kitharsis plays Chopin (2020), reflecting their nuanced approach to interpretation and sound.
Founded in 1123, St Bartholomew the Great is one of London’s oldest surviving churches, located in Smithfield. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and atmospheric setting, it provides a distinctive environment for chamber music and hosts the long-standing concert series of the City Music Society, one of the UK’s leading promoters of classical music.
