From Pompeii to Bologna, Italy applauds Madrigal

„Corul Madrigal embodies a form of diplomacy — a diplomacy of friendship between peoples, of encounters and connections between cultures.” — Andrea Bucelli, Vice-President of Opera Santa Croce

„This evening is much more than a musical event. It is a meeting of traditions, a bridge between peoples, at a time when we need a universal language that unites rather than divides.” — Paola Galgani, Deputy Mayor of Florence

„A heartfelt thank you to Corul Madrigal and the Romanian community — we are bound not only by friendship but also by fraternity.” — Father Franco Buonamano, Rector of the Basilica of Santa Croce

„We welcomed the opportunity to invite the extraordinary Corul Madrigal to Florence, a symbol of cultural diplomacy and a Treasure of Universal Artistic Heritage.” — Paolo Fagiolini, Honorary Consul General of Romania for Tuscany

„This cathedral welcomes you in an embrace, and tonight, through Corul Madrigal, it becomes a place of encounter and emotion. We hope you feel at home here”, said Monsignor Andrea Grillenzoni, Primcerio of the Basilica of San Petronio.

„Madrigal represents not only great artistic value but also a powerful message, a universal vocation of art. Tonight, the most important word is peace, and music is how we can build it together”, said Marco Panieri, Deputy Mayor of Bologna. 

Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin”, conducted by Anna Ungureanu, has completed its 23rd tour in Italy, visiting Pompeii, Florence and Bologna as part of Anul Cultural România – Italia 2026. Organised with significant support from the Romanian Embassy in the Italian Republic, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the tour brought together over 2.000 audience members in concert venues and tens of thousands of online viewers. 

Her Excellency Gabriela Dancău, Romania’s Ambassador to the Italian Republic, highlighted the importance of the cultural initiative for bilateral relations: „Romania’s most prestigious choral ensemble, Madrigal is a leading institution in international choral music. Through its music, this universal language becomes an act of fraternity and a tangible sign of friendship between Romania and Italy.”

„Madrigal has demonstrated once again that its presence, anywhere in the world, is a festival — of joy, emotion and the way Romania can be represented most beautifully through music”, said Emil Pantelimon, manager of Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin”. 

Madrigal’s tour in Italy was organised by Corul Național de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin”, with significant support from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Romanian Embassy in the Italian Republic, the Honorary Consulate General of Romania for Tuscany, the Romanian Consulate General in Bologna and partners Parco Archeologico di Pompei, Fondo Edifici di Culto, Comune di Firenze, Opera di Santa Croce, Comunità dei Frati Minori Conventuali della Basilica di Santa Croce, Basilica di San Petronio Bologna. 

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CORUL MADRIGAL

Founded in 1963 by legendary musician and conductor Marin Constantin (1925 – 2011), Corul Naţional de Cameră „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” has become a landmark in Romanian musical life and cultural diplomacy. 

The programme „Muzică contemporană românească în spații antice universale”, run by Corul Național de Cameră Madrigal – Marin Constantin under Anna Ungureanu, brings modern music together with iconic historic sites. It promotes Romanian culture through artistic videos filmed in places such as Machu Picchu, Sarmizegetusa Regia, the Pantheon in Rome and the Roman Theatre in Mérida.  During its tour in Italy, the ensemble also filmed at Pompeii, one of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites and part of UNESCO World Heritage.