„DRUMUL MĂTĂSII” PREMIERE AT ASTANA OPERA

The Madrigal Choir’s international tour of Kazakhstan, conducted by Anna Ungureanu, opened with an event of high artistic distinction – the world premiere of „Drumul Mătăsii” on the stage of Astana Opera, one of Central Asia’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

The performance was created especially for this occasion and presented audiences with an exceptional selection of works from Romanian and international choral repertoire, alongside arrangements of Central Asian national anthems and emblematic Kazakh folk songs such as „Yapurai” and „Agugai”.

In a solemn and moving setting, the event brought together high-ranking officials, diplomats and representatives of Kazakhstan’s academic and cultural communities, marking a new stage in the Madrigal Choir’s mission of cultural diplomacy.

At the opening of the concert, H.E. Mădălina Lupu, Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan, and Emil Pantelimon, Manager of the Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin”, spoke about the importance of this artistic and diplomatic moment. Both speeches are reproduced below.

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❝Ladies and gentlemen,

Your Excellencies,

Dear friends!

Romania is here at the Teatrul de Stat de Operă și Balet „Astana Opera”.

Welcome!

As Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan, I have the great pleasure of introducing Romania’s Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” to the vibrant cultural life of the capital Astana and beyond!

Romania and Kazakhstan have shared enduring ties of genuine friendship for over 33 years, Romania having been the second European country to recognise the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the third worldwide. As a member state of the European Union, Romania has been and continues to be an essential gateway to Europe for the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Over three decades, step by step and with trust, we have strengthened and expanded our partnership in a range of areas: trusted political dialogue, economic cooperation with a focus on energy and transport, parliamentary ties, education, academic mobility and people-to-people contacts.

This time, we are connecting people, time and space through culture. We hope that this extraordinary concert and the Madrigal Choir’s entire cultural tour of the Republic of Kazakhstan will bring Romania and Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan and Romania, even closer, this time through the charm of music, reflecting the shared beliefs and values that define us as nations and enrich the priceless wealth of cultural diversity.

I therefore give the floor to His Excellency Emil Pantelimon, Manager of the Madrigal Choir, to open up the magic of Romanian chamber music to you.

Thank you very much, and I wish you a pleasant evening!❞

H.E. Mădălina Lupu, Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan

4 May 2025, Astana Opera, Kazakhstan

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❝Your Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished audience!

It is a true honour to be here on the stage of Astana Opera with a premiere created especially for this occasion – the first tour of Central Asia by Romania’s legendary Madrigal Choir.

Inspired by the Silk Road, this performance brings culture and diplomacy back into focus: from Asia, through Kazakhstan, towards Europe. We are delighted to put Kazakhstan back in the spotlight this evening as a cultural bridge between Asia and Europe.

The Madrigal Choir proudly represents Romania as a beacon of cultural diplomacy. After launching our collection of the national anthems of European Union member states last year, and the anthems of Latin American states two years ago, it is now Central Asia’s turn.

During this extraordinary tour, we will launch the recording „Imnurile naționale ale statelor din Asia Centrală” at the Palatul Păcii și Reconcilierii. The Romanian state will donate it to the states in this region and to our partners in this region.   

Romania and the Madrigal Choir are investing in a sustainable cultural future, using music and its effects from the very first moments of life.

The „Madrigal for babies” concept, developed by our Research and Innovation department, is dedicated exclusively to expectant mothers and babies up to one year old, and creates therapeutic cultural products using only vocal, choral music.

Cultural bridges between nations and across history are highlighted through the „Muzică românească contemporană în spații antice universale” programme, which brings today’s Romanian music to timeless places around the world: from the Pantheon and Sarmizegetusa to Machu Picchu and Otrar, here in Kazakhstan. In this way, we show how much unites us and how compatible our cultures are.

Thank you all for your warm welcome! Astana Opera is an example of generosity and professionalism!

We express our sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Mădălina Lupu, Romania’s Ambassador, and His Excellency Yerlik Ali, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as enthusiastic supporters of this tour.

I must also say that, economically, the companies building a valuable and lasting bridge between Romania and Kazakhstan are the main supporters of the „Madrigal – Drumul Mătăsii” tour. I am referring to Rompetrol – Kaz Munai Gaz, and I thank them, assuring them that the cultural sphere will build on their transnational success!

I wish you a wonderful evening with the Madrigal Choir and conductor Anna Ungureanu, an example of professionalism and excellence, a gift from the Romanian state to the people of Kazakhstan!❞

Emil Pantelimon, Manager of the Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin”

4 May 2025, Astana Opera, Kazakhstan

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The „Madrigal: Drumul Mătăsii” tour was organised by the Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” and the Ministerul Culturii, with important support from the Ministerul Afacerilor Externe, Institutul Cultural Român and the Ministerul Comunicării și Informațiilor din Republica Kazahstan, as well as sponsors Rompetrol, EnergoBit and GRAMPET Group and partners SoundFeed, STRATULAT ALBULESCU Attorneys at Law, ⁠Warner Bros.Discovery.

Main partner: Rompetrol (KMG International)