Sunday, April 22, 2007

The Third Language

Celebrand 50 de ani de la semnarea Tratatului de la Roma, totodata fiind si ziua mondiala a poeziei, Comisia Europeana si Parlamentul European, au organizat o superba seara de poezie in Salonul Institutului Cultural Roman din Londra in data de 21 Martie 2007. Violonistul roman Tudor Andrei, artist in rezidenta al ICR a sustinut un moment muzical interpretand Poemul de Ernest Chausson, fiind acompaniat la pian de Tabitha May Kelly.
Tudor Andrei este bursier al Fundatiei Ratiu.




Tudor Andrei
Director Art Group
Romanca Society

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

STONEHENGE ONE DAY TRIP, 25 MARCH 2007


This Neolithic monument is about 5,000 years old and sits within the landscape of Salisbury Plain and bears silent testimony to a period of time that we as curious human beings, would love to know more about. The construction of Stonehenge came in three stages over a two thousand year period. Firstly there was just a bank and ditch, then came a wooden structure, to be followed by the stones that we still see today. Using the famous Blue Stone taken 240 miles from Wales, this monument was built in a circle. The distance to bring these stones is remarkable in today’s quick and fast ways, however in pre historical times, this must have been a phenomenal, if not an almost impossible task to undertake.

Departure: 25 MARCH 2007, 8.00 am from Hammersmith- Apollo Theatre
The price is £ 10/person, transport with a 16 seats minibus. First come first served, so please book your place in advance.
The payment will be cash or to send by cheque in the name of Romanca Society, after the confirmation of your booking .

We will have also the opportunity to visit also few more touristic places in our way back to London: Woodhenge and Salisbury.
Arrival at Hammersmith at 8.00 pm.
For booking please phone (evening) or email me at the addresse below.

Cristian Popa
Trip Project
Romanca Society


E-mail: popa_cristian24@yahoo.com
Mob. 077 27 24 98 41

La multi ani Doamnelor!

Iata ce epistola sugestiva am primit astazi de la un amic! Se pare ca in
felul lor diferit de a fii, mai exista si apel la constiinta a carei esenta
ne este transmisa sugestiv in aceasta zi de Sarbatoare, 8 Martie , menita poate
sa-i determine pe consortii nostri sa-si faca acest bilant al
insemnatatii noastre.. Si pentru ca este primavara, anotimpul
infloririlor, va doresc tuturora tinerete vesnica si multa dragoste!

La Multi Ani!
Manuela Barbuica

Mai întâi ne sunt mame. Se chinuiesc sã ne poarte în pântece şi sã ne
dea viatã. Nu de putine ori, pretul plãtit este propria lor viatã. Alt
chin, sã ne creascã şi sã ne învete cum sã ne purtãm prin lume. Drumul
le este presãrat cu suferintã, lacrimi şi renuntãri. Noptile de veghe le
sapã primele riduri. O zecime de Celsius peste treizeci şi şapte" le
aruncã în spaimã şi le macinã liniştea. Primul zâmbet, primul pas sau
primul cuvânt pe care îl rostim este rãsplata tineretii ofilite. Altã
rãsplatã, o literã bine caligrafiatã sau poate vreun premiu la şcoalã.
Apoi, încep de-a dreptul sã ne agaseze cu grjile şi cu sfaturile şi le
repezim atotştiutori. Când pãrãsim casa pãrinteascã, uitãm de ele cu
sãptãmânile, cu lunile sau cu anii. O facem, de regulã, atunci când ne
legãm via?a de o alta.

Vine vremea şi ne devin iubite... Ce nu le promitem? Cerul cu stelele",
vorba poetului. Apãrem eleganti, fermecãtori, sensibili şi devotati.
Personaje fãrã directã legãturã cu adevãrata noastrã fire, ci doar
creatii ale tornadelor hormonale. Unele dintre ele au noroc sau ghinion
şi ne cred.

Acestea ne devin sotii. Zicem cã le iubim. Ne fac din neisprãviti tati,
mândri capi de familie. Sforãim liniştiti atunci când ele retrãiesc
calvarul prin care pruncii noştri devin oameni. Altfel, cu noi suntem
grijulii. Spãimoşi, neînteleşi, ipohondri şi geloşi dacã trecem în urma
copiilor. Cu berea în bot, cu ochii pe meciul de la televizor, nu auzim
nimic din zgomotele unei case în care se gãteşte, se face curat, se
ceartã copii, se spalã rufe şi ni se calcã pantaloni. Asta dacã sunt
norocoase. Dacã nu, suntem direct pe stadioane, la pescuit, la şprit cu
bãietii sau chiar la amantã. Amanta, tot femeie şi ea, doar cã alta".

Ne sunt şi colege. Corecte, serioase, punctuale, îngrijite şi
zâmbitoare. Dacã uneori sunt necãjite şi lasã sã se vadã, facem bancuri
nesãrate în spatele lor. În ochii noştri, pantalonul bine mulat le vine
mai bine decât orice realizare profesionalã. Le este teamã sã devinã
mame. În lipsã, riscã sã rãmânã fãrã slujbe. La bancurile noastre cu
dublu sens râd fortat. Altfel, sunt tratate drept acrituri. Cu
mai-marii... o adevãratã echilibristicã a mortii. Cum sã facã sã fie
doar profesional amabile cu şeful", fãrã sã parã emotionate erotic de o
chelie seboreicã şi de o burtã revãrsatã peste curea, dar şi fãrã riscul
de a rãmâne pe drumuri? Cum de ne-or suporta? Poate pentru cã n-au
încotro!



La Multi Ani si sanatate pentru toate!

Thursday, March 08, 2007

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION

Romanca Society wish you a happy spring and invite you to


INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION

Thursday 8 March 2007
11.00am -4.00pm

ASSEMBLY HALL
Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street W6

10.45 Registration, Coffee, Tea

11.10 Welcome & Introduction by Collette Murray (PALOP Connections);
Opening of The DAY by The Mayor, Cllr Minnie Scott Russell;
Guest Speaker from L’Oreal-UNESCO “For Women in Science Awards” and “Fellowship”: Claire Backhurst

11.30 Cultural Performance: Centre for Filipinos;
Talk: Joy Nichols (Nichols Employment Agency);
Poetry: Ariadna Petri (Romanca Society);
Songs: Pastor Ann Colson (Bridgeway Four Square Church);
Talk: Homyra Ansari (Afghan Council UK);
Cultural Performance & Drama: Iranian Association/Kurdish Women’s Right);
Songs: Gowhar & Natli Feyzi (Iranian Association);
Talk: Muluk Alamin (CITAS);
Entertainment: Maria De Jesus (PALOP Connections)
Poetry & Talk: Pamela Mahaka (Zimbabwe Women’s Network)

Lunch: 13.00-14.00 (International Feast)

14.0 Welcome & Introduction: Jazz Browne (Nubian-Life Resource Centre);
Cultural Performance: Centre for Filipinos;
Songs: Manizha Sepas (Afghan Council UK);
Talk: Dr Deirdre O’Gallagher;
Talk: Geraldine Huka (The Forward Project);
Sabeen Akhund (Breast Cancer Care);
Song & Talk: Pastor Olabisi Kufeji (Freedom House International Ministry);
Dominique Collon (Archaeologist);
Songs: Gowhar & Natli Feyzi (Iranian Association);
Talk: Ms Ezra H Malik (Solicitors);
Talk: Sheila Williams (Local Resident & Education Activist);
Music & Drama (Iranian Association)
Talk: Jose Tsuchihashi (Pre-School Learning Alliance);
Poetry: Winifred Coke (Lighthouse Community Fellowship); Open Contribution from the Floor

15.50 Closing Remarks (Jazz Browne)

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Expozitie " Jazz – suflet si forma" cu Eugen Petri

1 Marie 1007, ora 18.30
Expozitia de grafica si sculptura se incheie de Martisor, la Galeria Posk, 238 – 246 King Street, London, W6 ORF (Tube Ravenscourt Park) in compania lui Eugen Petri si a invitatilor sai. Sculpturile in bronz si graficile in tehnica mixta va invita sa explorati universurile gemene ale muzicii si plasticii indrumati de viziunea sculptorului roman. Expozitia este deschisa in aceeasi locatie zilnic, intre orele 11.00 si 21.00 pana in data de 2.03.2007.

RSVP ariadna_petri@yahoo.com sau telefonati la 07738297139.

Jazz – Soul and Shape” exhibition with Eugen Petri



After conquering Europe and America with his fascinating combination of Byzantine and post modernist sculptures, Eugen Petri has now exhibited with great success in London.

We are delighted to welcome you in an energetic and pious atmosphere of jazz music, bronze and colour designed by the experienced jazzman and acclaimed sculptor Eugen Petri.
Thursday 1st March 2007, 6.30 pm Eugen Petri is inviting you to the closing party of the Jazz – Soul and Shape” which has been open to public in the Posk Gallery, 238 – 246 King Street, London, W6 ORF (Tube Ravenscourt Park), from 17.02 to 02.03.2007, 11.00 to 21.00. The evening will see a gathering art lovers who have enjoyed this exhibition as well as those who haven’t managed to get there yet, as well as a few delightful ethno jazz songs by Monica and Romanian traditions, Martisor for the first day of spring.

RSVP ariadna_petri@yahoo.com or 07738297139.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Tudor Andrei cinta la Londra pentru o Romanie Europeana


Recepţia oficială a strâns la palatul Whitehall membri ai guvernului şi parlamentului britanic, reprezentanţi ai corpului diplomatic, oameni de presă şi personalităţi ale vieţii publice de pe malurile Tamisei.Violonistul Tudor Andrei, in prezent artist in rezidenta al Institutului Cultural Roman la Londra(photo with Margaret Beckett) a sustinut un moment muzical in cadrul acestui eveniment care a celebrat accesul Romaniei si Bulgariei la UE. Mai multe informatii gasiti pe urmatorul link (clic video) http://www.protv.ro/stiri/interna-ional/britanicii-dau-receptii-in-cinstea-aderarii-romaniei-si-bulgariei.html

Ionela Flood
Presedinte
Romanca Society

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Safer Neighbourhood Annual Challenge (SNAC)


Every year, Hammersmith & Fulham Police run an exciting programme to get young people involved in working towards community safety. This programme is the Safer Neighbourhood Annual Challenge (SNAC). Groups of young people (aged between 5 and 19) are challenged to complete their own project for community safety. See below for last years' winners. It's a great way for young people to learn about community safety, feel empowered and meet other young people. There are some great prizes too!

We at H&F BME believe it is important for as many young people from ethnic minorities to be included as possible. Therefore, we have teamed up with Hammersmith and Fulham police and Refugee Advice and Support Centre, to organise a session to introduce SNAC. Chief Inspector John Sutherland will come along to tell young people how they can get involved. We will end the session with music and refreshments, with time for socializing. This session will take place on Thursday 18th of January, from 6 - 7.30pm, at Palingswick House.

You can also find out more at: www.thesnac.com. If your group offers services to young people, please bring them along to this session to find out how to get involved, and to meet other young people!

To reserve your place, contact:
Angela Wilson on 0208 748 0495
OR
Paul Francis on 0207 381 2982

La multi ani europeni , dragi romani, oriunde v-ati afla!


Romanca Society a avut ocazia sa mearga in colind ""cu capra " de Craciun la petrecerea organizata pentru membri organizatiei in Penge de catre directorul proiectului Izabela Aldea. Fiecare dintre cei prezeti am fost tulburati pina la lacrimi ascultind versurile vechi ale colindului cules din zona Clujului si adus in inimile noastre de catre Viorica Silasi si Ion Pop.

Momentul de traditie a fost un moment de surpriza si pentru audienta receptiei oferita de catre Ambasada Romaniei la Londra cu ocazia arborarii steagului European la sediul Institutului Cultural Roman din Belgrevia Square, in noaptea de Revelion, cind ne pregateam cu totii sa pasim in Anul Nou si sa redevenim inca o data europeni.
Evenimentul a fost apreciat dar privit cu teama de copii romani la a 2 a generatie...cu emotie de romanii adevarati si curiozitate de catre englezi.
Ecoul:intrebari de genul ""dar ce semnifica de fapt acest obicei?"' ceea face ca raspunsurile date sa dezvaluie o cultura bogata in diversitate, fata de care britanicul cu bun simt se simte fascinat si care genereaza o perceptie total diferita fata de ceea ce vor sa impuna tabloidele britanice.

Ocazia s-a dovedit inspirata si binecuvintata de acest obicei prin care ne dorim ca renasterea noastra ca popor si indivizi sa fie completa si reala.
La multi ani europeni, dragi romani , oriunde v-ati afla!

Ionela Flood
Presedinte
Romanca

Friday, December 15, 2006

REVELION 2007

Duminica 31 Decembrie 2006, orele 8pm – 3.00am
Organizat de Romanca Society si Rozan Catering

la “The Croocked Billet Pub, High Street,
Penge, London SE20 - opposite clock
Autobuze: 75, 194 pina High Street Penge

MENU
Piftie de porc, rosii umplute cu crema de branza, carnaciori proaspeti de porc,tartine umplute cu ciuperci, tartine cu icre, masline
Friptura de porc la tava si pui spaniol “marbella” cu garnitura de cartofi la cuptor, salata
Placinta cu branza dulce si stafide
Cafea,fructe asortate
Sampanie la miezul noptii
1 sticla de vin si apa minerala de persoana

Program special:
DJ, Servicii de bar la cerere
Disco, Muzica romaneasca

Director proiect: Izabela Aldea

Intrare £75 / persoana

Rezervari pana pe 28.12. 06 orele 8.00 pm la tel. 07940 705 544; 07960 865 366,

Confirmari: ionela@talktalk.net sau vrozan@yahoo.co.uk

Petrecere de Craciun

Sambata 23 Decembrie 2006, orele 6.00 pm – 12.30 am
Organizat de Romanca Society si Rozan Catering
la “The Croocked Billet Pub”, High Street,
Penge, London SE20 - opposite clock
Tren direct Victoria - Penge East (20 min)
Autobuze: 75, 194 pina in High Street Penge

MENU
Gustare rece,
Friptura de porc la tava,
Sarmale,
Carnaciori proaspeti de porc,
Castraveti murati, ½ sticla vin ,
Apa minerala “Borsec”,
Desert

Program special:
DJ, Servicii de bar la cerere
Colinde, Disco, Muzica romaneasca
Belly Dance

Director proiect: Izabela Aldea

Intrare £25 / persoana

Locuri limitate, rezervari la tel. 07960 865 366; 07940 705 544
E-mail: ionela@talktalk.net sau vrozan@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday, November 05, 2006

6 - 9 November 2006 – Pro Patrimonio ‘Art & Music’ Festival

The Romanian Cultural Institute
1 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PH




Masquerade of the goat; Moldavian mask-costume. Painting by Celia Ward

This year’s edition is organised by Pro Patrimonio (www.propatrimonio.org), with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department for Relations with Romanians Living Abroad and in partnership with ‘Romanca’ Society (www.romanca.co.uk) and the Romanian Cultural Institute / ICR (www.icr-london.co.uk). ICR are offering use of their venue for the Festival and organising hands-on craft demonstrations by peasant craft-artists. All ticket-sales proceedings go towards Pro Patrimonio’s cultural heritage and conservation projects in Romania. If you are interested in taking part in the festival, please send an e-mail (in English) to mail@propatrimonio.com and order your tickets.

Programme:
Monday 6 November 2006
19.00-22.00: Reception and Private View of paintings by Celia Ward of animal imagery in Moldavian and Maramuresean masks, actual masks and costumes, and Oltenian carpets by Elisabeta Murgu
Canapés and champagne will be served.
The exhibition will be open from 11.00-18.00 on 7, 8 and 9 November 2006.
Tickets: £15

Tuesday 7 November 2006
16.00-18.00: Oltenian carpet-weaving demonstration by Maria Dinoiu and Moldavian mask-making demo by Paul Buta. Admission is free. Reservations at info.london@icr.ro or call 0207 752 0134
19.00: Violin and piano recital with Andrei Gocan (violin) and Daniel Adni (piano)
Brahms (1833-1897): Scherzo from the ‘FAE’ Sonata
Schubert (1797-1828): Violin Sonata (Sonatina) in G Minor, D 408 – Allegro giusto, Andante, Menuetto, Allegro moderato.
George Enescu (1881-1955): Third Violin Sonata Op 25 in A minor ‘dans la caractère populaire roumain’ (1926) – Moderato malinconico, Andante sostenuto e misterioso, Allegro con brio, ma non troppo mosso.
Henri Wienawski (1835-1880): Concert Polonaise Op 4
Wine and canapés will be served after the concert.
Tickets: £15

Wednesday 8 November 2006
16.00-18.00: Oltenian carpet-weaving demonstration by Maria Dinoiu and Moldavian mask-making demo by Paul Buta. Admission is free. Reservations at info.london@icr.ro or call 0207 752 0134
19.00: Illustrated lecture ‘Man or Mamaliga: Masks and Masquerade in North-East Romania’ by Sarah Posey
Gabriel Hanganu will make an intervention at the end of Sarah Posey’s lecture and present an excerpt from a film, still in production, on masks and masquerades inMoldavia.
Wine and canapés will be served after the lecture.
Tickets: £15

Thursday 9 November 2006
16.00-18.00: Oltenian carpet-weaving demonstration by Maria Dinoiu and Moldavian mask-making demo by Paul Buta. Admission is free. Reservations at info.london@icr.ro or call 0207 752 0134
19.00: Lecture-recital ‘Music folklore and the Byzantine musical tradition: their role in shaping the Romanian school of composition’ by Ion Minoiu
Wine and canapés will be served after the lecture-recital.
Tickets: £15

* * * * *

Afternoon visits have been arranged on 8 November 2006 to the Horniman Museum’s Study Collection Centre to view examples of the museum’s Romanian musical instruments and anthropology collections, and on 9 November 2006 to the Victoria &Albert Museum to view the Oprescu collection of Romanian embroidery and folk dress.
A minibus will leave No. 1 Belgrave Square at 13.30 on 8 and 9 November 2006.
Tickets: £10 / afternoon visit

All events with the exception of the visits to the Victoria & Albert, and HornimanMuseum, will be held at the Romanian Cultural Institute, 1 Belgrave Square.

* * * * *
With the exception of craft-demonstration events,
Entry by tickets purchased in advance ONLY. Ticket numbers are limited to 100 for the evening events and to 10 for the afternoon visits on 8 and 9 November. Tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis.
Please make cheques payable to Pro Patrimonio and send them to the following address: Pro Patrimonio, 54-62 Regent Street, London W1B 5RE
For Pro Patrimonio members only: £3 reduction for each event

Pro Patrimonio, The Romanian National Heritage Trust, is an international not-for-profit, non governmental organization whose mission is to identify, preserve, and advocate for the historic heritage of Romania. Its aim is to restore, rescue and revitalize endangered buildings and sites for the benefit of future generations.
Pro Patrimonio restores and protects historic buildings and landmarks, important architecture, archaeological sites, traditional villages, traditional crafts and skills.
Pro Patrimonio is a federation of autonomous national foundations in Romania, UK,USA and France which share a common mission, a common conservation program, a common website (www.propatrimonio.org) and a common president.
Patron: King Michael I of Romania; Founder and President: Sherban Cantacuzino CBE FSA D. Univ (York) FRIBA; Board of Trustees: Sherban Cantacuzino, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Chorley, Indrei Ratiu, Nicolae Ratiu, Michael Thomas.
Contacts: Pro Patrimonio, 54-62 Regent Street, London W1B 5RE; Tel. + 44 20 7439 4052; Email: mail@propatrimonio.com

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ALL INTERESTED

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

LATEST EVENTS

Românca Society
Art Group

Saturday, 21st October 2006, 3 pm-7 pm
Members and supporters of Romanca Society are warmly invited to attend our second annual
Romanca BBQ
1 Marshall House, 2 Dorncliffe Road, SW6 5 LF, London

Bus 14, 414 (Munster Road) 220, 430, 74 (Fulham Road)
Underground Putney Bridge

In Programme:
Poetry: Robert Copot & Guests
Classical Music Concert:
Tudor Andrei violin
Carolyn Johnson- Wu piano
Special Performance Lili Davies piano and voice
Raffle, Face painting & activities for children
Delicious Romanian food & drinks

Tickets: £10

RSVP before 20 October: tudor_vs@yahoo.com T: 07887 800660
Tudor Andrei

Monday, October 16, 2006

Free movement of Romanian workers in the UK after 1 January 2007

Dear Prime Minister,

Free movement of Romanian workers in the UK after 1 January 2007

The Romanian community in the UK welcomes the consistent support that you and your Government have granted to Romania’s preparations for accession to the EU. We urge you to continue to follow your policies and beliefs and take the decision to open UK’s labour market to Romanian citizens once Romania becomes full member of the EU in January 2007.

We are writing to you on behalf of thousands of taxpayers of Romanian origin, who have contributed to the astounding economic success that Britain has experienced under your leadership. Moreover, the members of our community have always taken an active role in the development of the British-Romanian economic, political and social links and they will continue to consolidate these links in the future.
We are deeply concerned about the denigrating campaign of the past weeks in the British media that does significant harm to the true image of Romania. The numbers of Romanians who intend to come to work in the UK after 1 January 2007 have been highly exaggerated. After all, Romania has a booming economy and is already experiencing a shortage of labour. These trends, coupled with the economic incentives that will be created by EU entry and structural funds, are conducive to job creation and higher salaries. Consequently, the incentives for Romanians to work abroad will be significantly diminished.

We believe that our arguments in favour of opening up the British labour market to Romanians deserve consideration. Firstly, we believe that allowing free movement of Romanian workers into the UK will contribute to economic growth in both countries. Secondly, this decision will prevent and drastically reduce incentives for illegal labour and exploitation. And last but not least, it will further enrich the relationship between Romania and Great Britain as NATO allies and EU partners.

It is a fact that the growing British economy needs an inflow of labour to cover a variety of sectors in the labour market. Studies have already proven the positive effect of the influx of workers from A8 countries to the British economy. The same studies have downplayed the alleged negative effects of Romanian immigrants on the British social welfare system. According to the British law, workers coming from the A2 countries would not be entitled to social benefits after 1 January 2007. Moreover, the typical Romanian immigrant is mainly young and single, therefore, it is unlikely that he/she would overburden the UK education and health system - as it has been alleged.

As you recently stated in the opening of the TUC conference the immigrants from the A8 countries ‘have helped and not been burden’. We strongly believe that this will remain true if Romanians gain access to the UK labour market after they join the EU.
In the light of these arguments, we urge you once more to grant Romanians free access to the British labour market beginning with 1 January 2007 and thus, give us the chance to contribute to the cultural richness and diversity of Great Britain, whom we respect and take as an example.

Yours faithfully,


Mrs. Ionela Flood
Romanca Society

Mrs. Anne-Marie Visoianu
Romanian Christian Orthodox Parish ‘St. Makarios the Great’

Mr. Victor Craciun
Liga Culturala pentru Unitatea Romanilor de Pretutindeni

Mrs. Simona Tatulescu-Cighir
Mr. Corneliu Tatulescu-Cighir
London Resources Ltd(Romanian Community Business Growth Link)

Mr. Adrian Cherciu
Romani Online Ltd - www.Romani-Online.co.uk

Mr. Razvan Novacovschi
Oxford Romanian Cultural Society

Dr. Tudor Toma
Societatea medicala Romana din UK

Mrs. Anne Marie Martin
Bel Management Ltd.

Mrs. Cristina Irimie,
Mr. Inno Brezeanu,
Romani in UK – “ Roman in UK “ publication, www.romani.co.uk

Mrs Sorana Parvulescu
Romanian LSE SU Society

Mr. Daniel Furculesteanu
Romani in UK
Olympia Handball Club
The Romanian Students' Society - University of Westminster

Mrs. Anda Anastasescu
LONDON SCHUBERT PLAYERS TRUST

Mr. Serban Cantacuzino
Pro Patrimonio

ROMANCA @ HOME PROGRAMME

ROMANCA SOCIETY LAUNCHES CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ROMANIA - UK


Romanca Society launched the project “Romanca @ Home”, an annual initiative to promote cultural exchanges between Romania and the UK, with a view to support young talented artists from both sides.

Initiated by Romanca Society in its statement dated June 2006, this year's event has been delivered by two sector partners working in collaboration: Romanca Society and The Association of Young Orthodox “St Antim Ivireanul” Rm Valcea, founded by “Episcopia Ramnicului”. The event was sponsored by London Visa Services Ltd and benefited from the support of Valcea County Council.


This year's event, “The Young Performers Salon” took place at the Art Museum in Rm Valcea and featured the renowned London based pianist Carolyn Johnson- Wu. Mrs. Johnson-Wu, who is a chamber musician and a teacher in London, holds a Masters Degree in Music Performance and is an award winning musician recognised for the warmth and sincerity in her playing. The Romanian award winning violinist Tudor Andrei, currently a student at the Royal Music Academy in London also joined the event, with outstanding interpretation. In addition, young performers from Rm Valcea “School of Music”, trained with dedication by the local based professors Olteteanu, made talented contributions to this event. These were David Ionut Caliu (violin), Trestian Dumitrescu (violin), Catalin Nicolae- Draghici (piano), Marina Pangulescu (violin) and Ana- Maria Vaduva (piano).

Speaking at the launch of the event, His Grace Gherasim, Bishop of Valcea said:

“Tonight's artistic contributions were breathtaking and I very much hope that our young artists will grow to become international artists”.

Touching on the political aspects of the imminent EU enlargement to include Romania as a Member State as from 1 January 2007, His Grace said: “I wish that the Romanian people who survived for 2000 years united under the same traditions, will manage to keep its identity in an enlarged Europe where no Constitutional provisions for religion are made. If we lose our traditions we will dissolve in Europe like a piece of salt dissolves in water.”

We wish to give special thanks to Deacon Mihai Pretorian of Bishop's Church in Rm Valcea and the local benefactor Mr Gheorghe Diaconu without whose professional input this event could not have taken place. We also thank to all members of the public who supported and took part in the event.

In the long term, the Cultural Exchange Programme “Romanca at Home” will focus in the following key areas:

  • Ensuring a more diverse range of cultural exchanges between Romania – UK by promoting Romania, with its cultural, historic and religious heritage. Cultural tourism will create bridges for young talented Romanian artists to visit the UK and perform here.

  • Providing development opportunities for Romanian charity leaders at different stages of their careers

  • Securing a long term legacy for cultural leadership by forming delivery partnerships across the charities and business sectors to share ideas and resources and create new opportunities for collaboration.

For press enquiries contact:

Ionela Flood, Chair of Romanca Society on: +44 7816275240

Alina Dinu, Director of Programme on +44 7710 349781

The programme and its strategic delivery stages will be published on Romanca's blog:

www.romancasociety.blogspot.com