Romanian artists and craftsmen come to London to take part in The Mayor's Thames Festival 2008, a spectacular event that celebrates London and its river.
The New European Village section brings together performers from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The Romanian stand includes authentic village artefacts from peasant costumes with fine embroidery to hand-carved antique dowry chests and village music. Master Marin Predusel reveals the secrets of the wood pipes making, while ethnographer Aurelia Pomponiu with Cristina Calinciuc and George Pomponiu demonstrate the different techniques of sewing and wood painting. These great craftsmen are not only fascinating to watch but will invite and help members of the public to try out their skills.
Aurelia Pomponiu is passionate about restoring pieces of old furniture. Together with students Cristina Calinciuc and George Pomponiu, she has organized exhibitions and workshops on wood painting at festivals in USA, Japan and Europe. Over the last 30 years, Marin Predusel has built woodwind instruments. As a musician, Predusel has taken part in many international fairs and street events.
Two concerts of Romanian traditional music will be given by Virtuozii Gorjului. The group includes Victor Tambu (violin), Constantin Lucian (accordion), Nelu Stan (double-base), Constantin Burleanu (flute, clarinet, wood pipes), Florin Mustatea (dulcimer) and Delia Barbu Cord (voice). Virtuozii Gorjului will bring the traditional tunes from Oltenia region on the festival stage. The group has travelled around the world performing Romanian traditional music to a wide variety of audiences.
The Romanian participation at the Mayor's Thames Festival is organised by the Romanian Cultural Institute in London.
When: Romanian stand: 13 & 14 September 2008, noon - 10.00 pm
Concert Virtuozii Gorjului: 13 September 2008, 5.15 - 5.45 pm and 14 September 2008, 5.30 - 6.00 pm
Where: New European Village, South Bank riverside walkway, between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge
Admission: free.
