Celebrating Romania's National Culture Day and 175 Years Since Mihai Eminescu's Birth
On the occasion of Romania's National Culture Day and the 175th anniversary of the birth of Mihai Eminescu, Romania’s national poet and an emblematic figure of world literature, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing is honored to invite you to a prestigious cultural event.
This commemorative moment brings together poetry, music, and visual arts, highlighting the remarkable contribution of Romanian art to the universal cultural heritage and its essential role in promoting national identity on the international cultural stage.
Event Program
- Poetry Recital performed by students Andra Săraru (Master's, Beijing Language and Culture University) and Iosua (崔明哲 Cui Mingzhe, 2nd year undergraduate, Beijing International Studies University).
A tribute to Mihai Eminescu through the reading of selected fragments from his fundamental works, intended to reveal the depth of his poetic reflections and his impact on national and international cultural consciousness.
- Music Concert – "Potpourri for Flute and Guitar"
A recital by renowned artists Ioana Bălașa (flute) and Bogdan Mihăilescu (guitar), presenting a diverse repertoire that spans centuries of musical creations and integrates classical pieces, Romanian folk melodies, and popular Chinese songs.
- Exhibition: "175 Years Since the Birth of Romania's National Poet, Mihai Eminescu"
A graphic exhibition by Romanian artist Constanța Abălașei-Donosă, visually reflecting the symbolic impact of Mihai Eminescu's creations on Romanian cultural identity.
Concert Repertoire (Duration: 60 minutes)
- J.S. Bach – Siciliana from Sonata in E-flat Major BWV 1031
- Frederic Chopin – Variations on a Theme by Rossini
- Maurice Ravel – Habanera
- Bela Bartók – Selection of Romanian Dances (Jocul liliacului, Brâul, Pe loc, Buciumeana, Poarta românească, Mărunțel)
- Fernando Carlos Tavolaro – Milonga No. 5
- Celso Machado – Pacoca Choro, Pé de Moleque (Samba)
- Astor Piazzolla – History of Tango
- Popular Chinese Melodies: The Boat on Lake Tai and Jasmine Flower
- Suite of Five Romanian Folk Pieces by Anatol Mîtcu: Romanian Folk Dance, The Cuckoo Has Flown Away, His Path is Long and Winding, How Precious is the Land of Criș, Autumn Time
About the Artists
Ioana Balașa (Flute)
Ioana Balașa has been a soloist with the George Enescu Philharmonic in Bucharest since 2014. Her artistic career has flourished under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductors such as Cristian Măcelaru, Leo Hussein, Alexandre Bloch, John Axelrod, and Christian Badea. As an active member of the Royal Camerata, she frequently performs in major chamber music projects. Between December 2016 and January 2017, she was invited to participate in the Tiroler Festpiele Erl in Austria, under the guidance of Maestro Gustav Kuhn. Her extensive repertoire has been showcased in recitals at prestigious cultural institutions such as the Cotroceni Palace Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, the "Dinu Lipatti" Arts House, and the "George Enescu" Museum.
Bogdan Mihăilescu (Guitar)
Bogdan Mihăilescu studied classical guitar at the Bucharest School of Arts under Professor Adrian Ionescu and at the Cluj-Napoca School under Professor Valentin Farcaș. At only 20 years old, he won the Grand Trophy of the Sinaia National Classical Guitar Competition (1984), marking the beginning of an international career. He has performed recitals in Romania, Germany, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, perfecting his craft between 1997 and 2006 in London under the guidance of Professors Gary Ryan and Carlos Bonell. His chamber music recitals have been organized under the auspices of the Romanian Cultural Institute and held in renowned venues in London, Paris, Beijing, Brussels, and Tel Aviv, reinforcing the prestige of Romanian interpretative art on the international stage. This event represents a celebration of Romania's literary, musical, and artistic heritage and a symbol of intercultural dialogue.Participation is free, subject to available seating.
To register, please scan the QR code on the invitation or contact us at ema.stoian@icr.ro.
We look forward to welcoming you!
