On December 5, 2024, the "Violoncellissimo" ensemble gave an extraordinary concert in Beijing with dual significance: celebrating Romania's National Day and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and the People's Republic of China. This major public diplomacy event was organized by the Romanian Embassy and ICR Beijing, with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, and the "Tinerimea Română" National Center.
The concert took place at the China National Opera House, a prestigious institution located in the heart of the Chinese capital. The program featured a broad repertoire, including classical works (Georg Friedrich Handel, Jacques Offenbach, Johann Schrammel), modern pieces (Hans Zimmer, Henry Mancini, Astor Piazzolla), Romanian compositions (Const. Dimitrescu, Cornelia Tăutu, Radu Sinaci), and Chinese works (Zheng Lu, Ma Hongye). Some of the pieces were adapted and arranged for cello by Radu Sinaci, Sabin Păuță, Dan Variu, and others. The ensemble performed under the coordination and direct participation of Maestro Marin Cazacu.
The event opened with the national anthems of Romania, the People's Republic of China, and the European Union, performed orchestral by the "Violoncellissimo" Ensemble, before an audience of over 500 people. Subsequently, the Romanian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, H.E. Dan Maxim, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the moment, both for Romania's National Day and for the anniversary of the bilateral Romania-China relationship. He highlighted the significance of cultural and spiritual ties between nations and peoples, throughout time and space, and celebrated the long-standing Romanian-Chinese friendship on its anniversary.
The event was attended by numerous high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, ambassadors, representatives from the Chinese academic, cultural, and business communities, the diplomatic corps accredited to Beijing, and Chinese media representatives, including the Romanian Section of China Radio International. The concert was a great success, with the audience requesting multiple encores. During the evening, the Romanian Embassy presented a symbolic gift to the audience: a crystal statuette resembling the "Endless Column," the famous work of Constantin Brâncuși, along with a special anniversary edition of a publication promoting Romania and Romanian-Chinese relations (the November issue of the prestigious Lookwe magazine, published in collaboration with ICR Beijing).
In addition to celebrating Romania’s National Day, the event marked a key moment in ICR Beijing's annual program, dedicated to commemorating the 75th anniversary of Romania-China diplomatic relations in the People's Republic of China.
Violoncellissimo is a prestigious Romanian chamber ensemble, composed of top young cellists, led by the renowned cellist Marin Cazacu, recognized for his contributions to music and the promotion of young talents. Founded in 2001, the ensemble has achieved international success, impressing audiences with remarkable events, including a concert with 60 cellists at the Romanian Athenaeum and a recital with 100 cellists in 2013.
The China National Opera House (CNOH) is the main state institution dedicated to the production and promotion of opera, serving as a center of cultural and artistic excellence. Founded in 1952, CNOH supports both traditional Chinese operas and Western works, playing an essential role in the national development and education of music.
