Violinist Adriana Cristea and pianist Mina Beldimănescu open the 'Enescu Concerts' Series 2019-2020

The Romanian Cultural Institute resumes its ever-popular 'Enescu Concerts' Series with a spectacular recital offered by violinist Adriana Cristea and pianist Mina Beldimănescu, two brilliant young musicians who completed their studies at prestigious music schools in Britain and have made notable debuts in their performing careers.

Programme:

J. Brahms - the 1st Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Major, Op.78

A. Dvorak- Slavonic Dance No. 2 for Violin and Piano in E minor

G. Enescu - Ballade and Impromptu Concertant for Violin and Piano

B. Bartók - Six Romanian Folk Dances for Violin and Piano

Born in Ploiești, Romania, to a family of musicians, Adriana Cristea started playing the violin at the age of five, under the guidance of her parents. She has won prizes in competitions, including the 1st prize, the special prize and the George Enescumedal at Remember EnescuInternational Violin Competition and she has also been a laureate of Citta' Di Filadelfia, New Starsand Grand Prize VirtuosoInternational Music Competitions.

In 2015 Adriana completed her Masters Degree with Distinction at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Professor Yossi Zivoni, where she was kindly supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music with a full scholarship. Her career as a soloist and recitalist includes concerts in Austria, France, Italy, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, The Netherlands and in the United Kingdom, in venues including: Concertgebouwin Amsterdam, St. Martin-in-the-Fieldsand St James’s Church Piccadillyin London, and the Romanian Atheneumin Bucharest. Her performances in International Music Festivals, include The International Holland Music Sessionsin The Netherlands and George EnescuFestival in Romania. She has also performed as soloist with orchestras including: Paul ConstantinescuPhilharmonic Orchestra and BeirutChamber Orchestra, among others. In January 2018 she launched her first recital project called Romania With Lovededicated to classical Romanian music with folk influences, promoted in many recitals in the UK. Her second recital project dedicated to solo violin music, Journey with Bachwas launched in July 2018. Her future engagements for the 2019/2020 season include concerts in the UK.

Romanian pianist Mina Beldimănescuis a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. Mina has won prizes in competitions such as: International Piano Competition, Val Tidone, International Piano Competition 'Evangelia Tjiarri', Larnaka - Grand Prix. She is also a laureate of the Lilian Davies, Douglas Cameron and Harold Craxton Prizes in London.

Performances as a piano soloist have also included, throughout the years, recitals and solo performances with orchestras at the Romanian Atheneum and the George Enescu Museum in Bucharest, Middle Temple Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields and St. James's Church Piccadilly in London, the Romanian Cultural Institutes in Budapest, Paris and London. Together with the Arcana Ensemble, Mina is a Concordia Foundation Artist.

When: Thursday 3 October, 19.00
Where: Romanian Cultural Institute London, 1 Belgrave Square, SW1X8PH