The “Magic Summer” International Festival returns to the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest for its 14th edition, bringing eight classical music concerts between July 2 and August 13, every Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

Under the 2025 theme, “Masters and Masterpieces”, the festival continues its much-loved artistic direction, offering a musical journey through the works of great composers performed by leading Romanian and international classical artists.
Opening Night – July 2: “Mozart Forever”

The festival opens with an all-Mozart evening featuring the Camerata Regală Orchestra, conductor Constantin Grigore, and clarinet soloist Petru Pane. The program includes:

•     The Marriage of Figaro Overture – showcasing Mozart’s wit and rhythmic energy
•     Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 – a delicate, emotional tribute to his friend Anton Stadler
•     Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” – Mozart’s final and most complex symphony, a stunning contrapuntal masterpiece

Concert Highlights

July 9 – “Immortal Beethoven”
The Youth Orchestra of the Republic of Moldova, conducted by Jesko Sirvend, presents Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Triple Concerto, and Symphony No. 7, featuring soloists Alexandru Tomescu (violin), Sînziana Mircea (piano), and Ştefan Cazacu (cello).

July 16 – “Invitation to the Waltz”
The Chamber Ensemble of the George Enescu Philharmonic offers a graceful journey through waltzes by Tchaikovsky, Drigo, Dvořák, and Sibelius.

July 23 & 24 – Beethoven Piano Concertos: The Complete Cycle
In a two-night marathon, pianist Andrei Licareţ performs all five Beethoven piano concertos as both soloist and conductor, joined by the Vară Magică Festival Orchestra.

•     July 23: Concertos No. 2, 3, and 4
•     July 24: Concertos No. 1 and No. 5 “Emperor”

July 30 – “Musical Jewels”
The Kamerata Kronstadt, conducted by Cristian Oroşanu, with pianist Constantin Sandu, presents a varied program: Albinoni’s Adagio, Bach’s Concerto No. 1 BWV 1052, Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Holst’s St. Paul Suite.

August 6 – “Paganini Magic”
A rare full recital of Niccolò Paganini’s sonatas, performed by Alexandru Tomescu (violin) and Dragoş Ilie (guitar) — a deep dive into the lyrical, lesser-known side of the virtuoso.

August 13 – “Liviu Prunaru: 50 Years with the Violin”
The festival concludes with a career anniversary concert by violinist Liviu Prunaru, joined by the Radio Chamber Orchestra. The evening includes two Vivaldi concertos (Il Favorito and L’amoroso) and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence.

Tickets and Info

•     Online: www.bilete.ro/festivalul-vara-magica
•     In person: Romanian Athenaeum box office (Mon–Fri, 10:00–12:00 & 17:00–19:00)
•     More details: www.varamagica.ro | www.lanto.ro

Festival founder Dorin Ioniță:

“Every summer, we aim to bring more than just music to the stage—we want to create unique encounters and lasting emotions. This edition, ‘Masters and Masterpieces’, celebrates visionary artists and timeless works that move the soul and leave a lasting mark, just like great music does.”

Written by Aura Marinescu | 25 iunie 2025, 09:13