The Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania is organising an exceptional cultural event on Monday, 11 March, at 7 p.m. – the show ‘Crai nou. The Life of Ciprian Porumbescu’, dedicated to National Gratitude Day, an annual tribute project that honours personalities of Romanian society. This remarkable production, directed by Ruxandra Bălașu, brings to the forefront the life and work of the great composer Ciprian Porumbescu on the stage of the Ion Luca Caragiale National Theatre in Bucharest. The guest of honour at the event is the great-granddaughter of composer Ciprian Porumbescu, Mrs Scholz Cionca Stanca Emilia.
In an atmosphere full of emotion, the show will recount the life and work of this genius of Romanian music. The script, written by Șerban Fleancu, brings to the audience not only the music, but also the story of Ciprian Porumbescu, reflecting the complexity and beauty of his soul. In the role of Ciprian Porumbescu, the young and talented Emilian Mârnea reflects the composer's sensitivity and passion, offering a memorable performance. Alongside him, Maria Alexievici, in the role of Maria Porumbescu, manages to bring to the stage the strength of a woman who sacrificed herself and stood by the composer during the most difficult moments of his life. The famous actor Vlad Rădescu, known for his memorable role in the 1973 biographical film ‘Ciprian Porumbescu’, returns to the stage in a new role – that of the composer's father, Iraclie Porumbescu. The supporting roles are played by actors Mihai Căpățînă, Radu Mateucă, Alexandra Stroe and Nicoleta Moscalenco.
To provide an overview of the composer's life and work, the event will be preceded by a tribute exhibition entitled ‘Ciprian Porumbescu, the life of a genius’. The exhibition brings together vintage photographs, documents and diary excerpts from the personal collection of Ciprian Porumbescu's great-granddaughter. On the occasion of this special event, three original scores from the collection of the National Library of Romania, representing a veritable cultural treasure, will be exhibited for the first time in public. Guests will have the opportunity to admire these rare items: ‘Balada’, “Camelii” and ‘Craiu nou’, the most famous works by composer Ciprian Porumbescu.
At the same time, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional recital performed by Alexandru Semeniuc on the violin and Diana Negreanu on the piano, two outstanding talents of the Romanian music scene. Alexandru Semeniuc is honoured with the ‘Special Award for Rising Artistic Career’ in the ‘Culture’ category at the 2022 Celebrity Gala. The young artists will perform famous compositions from the repertoire of Ciprian Porumbescu.
On the occasion of National Gratitude Day, the annual event organised by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania pays tribute to the famous composer Ciprian Porumbescu, following his last will and testament: "Make sure that my songs are not lost. They must live on, for I am dying. I leave them as a gift to my people."
In perfect harmony between music, theatre and emotion, the event aims to captivate and transport guests to the golden age of Romanian music.
