Last night I enjoyed my first concert at Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum. The design of the beautiful neoclassic building is said to have been inspired by Greek temples. It “incorporates elements of eclecticism and XIX-century French architecture“. Built between 1886 and 1888 on a circular foundation designed for an American circus, it has over 130 years of history! The acoustics are phenomenal, and I’m looking forward to attending more concerts in the iconic structure.
Bogdan Ștefănescu and Ad Libitum Quartet
During last night’s performance, five distinguished musicians played flawless chamber music for a small audience:
- Ion Bogdan Ștefănescu Flute
- Remus Azoiţei Violin
- Şerban Mereuţă Violin
- Bogdan Bişoc Viola
- Filip Papa Cello
The program included the compositions of Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart:
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Serenade in D major for flute, violin, and viola, op. 25
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Quartet with flute in D major, KV 285
Ion Bogdan Ștefănescu
Flutist Ion Bogdan Ștefănescu is a soloist of the George Enescu Philharmonic in Bucharest, and a Prof. PhD at Bucharest National University of Music. He debuted with the orchestra in 1983, at the age of 14.
During his esteemed career, Ștefănescu has given numerous solo recitals and concerts in Romania, England, France, Spain, Czech Republic, North Korea, Japan, USA, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Holland, Sweden, and Norway. He’s won many awards and accolades.
Ad Libitum Quartet
Ad Libitum String Quartet are soloists of the Moldova Philharmonic Lași. The internationally recognized ensemble has been performing for over three decades. The talented, expressive musicians received the Grand Prize for Interpretation, Press Prize, and Disc Award at the Evian Contest in France.
The Quartet was founded in 1988 at the George Enescu Art University in Lasi Romania. The group tours throughout Europe and has performed at festivals in Monte Carlo, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland, Ad Libitum has made radio and TV recordings and was named the Moldavian Philharmonic State Quartet.
It was a memorable evening of chamber music at an awe-inspiring venue.
