The Madrigal 60 music lounge at Otopeni Airport

On Friday, 30 June, the „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” National Chamber Choir and Compania Națională Aeroporturi București inaugurated the „MADRIGAL 60” music lounge at Henri Coandă International Airport.
The event took place inside the airport, in the area connecting the Departures and Arrivals terminals, and was followed by a recital by the Madrigal Choir, conducted by Anna Ungureanu.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture Raluca Turcan, officials from the two institutions, representatives of other organisations, the media and the public.

„For 60 years, the Madrigal Choir has taken the values of Romanian identity to every corner of the world. Establishing the „Madrigal 60” music lounge creates a new opportunity for promotion and cultural diplomacy. The airport is the first place in Romania encountered by passengers on international flights, and what could be more wonderful for those arriving in Romania than to be welcomed and have the chance to meet representatives of Romania’s most prestigious choir? For 48 years it was under the baton of Maestro Marin Constantin, and now it is under the baton of the talented conductor Anna Ungureanu. The „Madrigal 60” music lounge is a promising cultural diplomacy initiative because it brings culture closer to people.” – Raluca Turcan, Minister of Culture

„Thank you for coming to celebrate together almost 60 years since Madrigal’s first concert. Next week we will be together at the Gala marking 60 years since the Madrigal Choir first appeared on stage. And today, at Otopeni Airport, with our trusted partners of a year already, we are opening the way to Romania for all tourists through Madrigal’s harmony. We are delighted that we were able to create this space for recreation and relaxation for the airport’s public, and I thank our partners.” – Emil Pantelimon, Manager of the „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” National Chamber Choir

Designed as an elegant space for waiting and recreation, the „MADRIGAL 60” music lounge is decorated as a miniature Baroque-style performance hall. Travellers in transit can enjoy the atmosphere of the Choir’s concerts and relax while listening to music performed by the celebrated ensemble. The lounge will be open to the public around the clock until the end of 2023, in the area connecting the Departures and Arrivals terminals.

The „MADRIGAL 60” music lounge is a project for the public passing through Romania’s principal international gateway, created by the „Madrigal – Marin Constantin” National Chamber Choir in partnership with Compania Națională Aeroporturi București.

„We are at another event in the CNAB Promovează Valoarea series, a programme of Compania Națională Aeroporturi București that began many years ago and through which we have promoted numerous cultural programmes. Today we have reached a high point in this programme: we are inaugurating this music lounge together with the Madrigal Choir. The space looks spectacular, and I am convinced the public will have a great deal to listen to here. The lounge will operate around the clock, with a displayed programme so that those entering know exactly what they are listening to. Our partnership with the Madrigal Choir benefits passengers passing through Henri Coandă Airport, who get a taste of culture as they arrive at or depart from Otopeni on their way home or to other destinations. Many more years to the Madrigal Choir, and let’s celebrate at 100!” – Valentin Iordache, spokesperson for Compania Națională Aeroporturi București

The event forms part of the „MADRIGAL 60” programme, marking 60 years this year of uninterrupted activity, musical excellence and cultural diplomacy for the Madrigal Choir. It has become a symbol of national artistic continuity and of Romania’s cultural relevance and image around the world.