ROMANIA DAY ON BROADWAY
Aliona MUNTEANU and Lucian MÂNDRUȚĂ
Official Opening – 1:00 p.m.;
The official opening of the Festival and the welcoming message – H.E. Dan-Andrei Muraru, Romanian Ambassador in United States, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nation - H.E. Cornel Feruță, Viorel Ursu - Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America, H.E. Mihaela-Simona Florea - Cons. Gen. of Romania in N. Y., Dorian Branea, Director, Romanian Cultural Institute NY, Members of the House of Representatives, Members of the US Senate, New York City Mayor’s Office – Eric Adams, Governor Cathy Vogel’s Office, High Ranking Pentagon Official, Minister of Defense of Romania (invited)
ARTISTS
National Anthem, Opera arias and Romanian songs; Traditional Romanian Music and Folk music
Paula Duca, Soprano
Paula Duca is a Romanian soprano, a collaborator of national operas and several cultural institutions in Romania and abroad. She is also a voice teacher with the Faculty of Music and the Vocational Music High School in Braşov.
Soprano Paula Duca has been a laureate of important voice competitions, including the ‘Hariclea Darclée’ International Voice Competition and the Canadian Music Competition.
Dance Groups
Vatra Danses Moldaves ( Canada)
The name “Vatra,” infused with deep traditional significance, evokes the place where a fire is lit, symbolizing a sense of belonging and fostering a warm feeling of connection.
Just as fire emanates warmth, the dance group members cultivate a strong sense of belonging and connection among their members.
Since its founding in March 2016 by Irina Chirca, a professional dancer, choreographer, and former member of the “JOC” national folk-dance group in the Republic of Moldova, Vatra dance group shaped a cultural dance trend in Montreal, earning recognition as a cherished emblem of their homeland.
They are admired for the captivating beauty and dynamic energy of their performances, frequently invited to large-scale events with diverse audiences within both Moldovan and Romanian communities.
At every performance, they thrill, motivate, and inspire!
Dance Groups
Ansamblul Ciobănașul – Corbii de Piatră (România)
Although founded in 1970, the folk group took a break and was refunded by Mrs Simona Anghel at the beginning of 2022, being formed by the old members to whom other members joined also, people of all ages carrying in their heart the love their motherland and its people.
With an original repertoire that includes folk songs and dances, but also religious songs , they are honorable representatives of a shepherd’ s village from the foot of the Carphatian Mountains , but also of the lovely area of Muscel Since they have reunited they have had tours both in Romania and other counties such as : Montenegro, Turkey-Cappadocia, Italy-Rome , where they won important awards. On these tours that have been accompanied, as they are now too, by famous Romanian folk artists such as : Valeria Arnăutu ( Banat ), Liliana Savu-Badea ( Banat ) , Ion Ioniță ( Muntenia ) , Brândușa Covalciuc ( Moldova ), but also by the young voices of the group : Ilona Anghel ( Student of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy ,,Carol Davila” Bucharest ) and Roxana Filip.
Rock&Roll
Mady Omania si Virgil Prispian
(România)
This romanian duo s amazing energy and sound has always put them in the spotlight! They are based in northern Romania, but travel and perform throughout the entire world! Mady Omania, a former contestant in The Voice of Romania captures the attention of the audience due to her special and naturally raspy voice. Virgil Prispian is a skilled pianist with a deep and sultry voice that always leaves a great impresion! Their eclectic repertoire and great charisma makes them a successful live act that makes you wanting for more!
Recital
Liliana Savu Badea
An interpreter of traditional Romanian folk music for over 50 years. Born in Banat, Romania, she made her debut in Romanian folk music at the age of 7 at a National Children’s Festival in Bucharest. She is a music teacher and has guided many generations of children and young people, who are now prominent performers of Romanian folklore. She was the director of the Cultural House in the town of Buziaş for 21 years, where she also performed as a folk music interpreter in the “Izvorașul” Folk Ensemble, as well as an actor at the Popular Theater and the Puppet Theater. She has been invited to participate in numerous radio and TV shows and has taken part in many shows and festivals organized both in the country and abroad, winning awards and trophies ( Germany, Italy, Turkey, Serbia, Hungary, France).
Fashion Show
Designer Alexa Dumitru – NYC
Alexa Dumitru, a self-taught designer hailing from the vibrant backdrop of New York City, was born to Romanian parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. At the tender age of 16, amidst the throes of the pandemic, she found solace and inspiration within the confines of her childhood room. With nothing but determination and an antique sewing machine as her tools, she began to explore the intricate world of pattern-making and garment construction.
From these humble beginnings emerged a fervent passion for fashion, driving Alexa to transform her tiny sanctuary into a bustling hub of creativity. Today, she stands at the helm of her own atelier, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and fueled by boundless ambition.
Driven by a love for her craft and an unwavering dedication to her vision, Alexa’s designs transcend mere garments, embodying stories of resilience and self-expression. Each piece reflects her unique perspective, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair.
For a glimpse into Alexa’s captivating collections and to connect with her creative journey, visit Alexadumitru.com or follow her on social media @alexadumitru.
Musician Band
Vatra Danses Moldaves (Canada)
The name “Vatra,” infused with deep traditional significance, evokes the place where a fire is lit, symbolizing a sense of belonging and fostering a warm feeling of connection.
Just as fire emanates warmth, the dance group members cultivate a strong sense of belonging and connection among their members.
Since its founding in March 2016 by Irina Chirca, a professional dancer, choreographer, and former member of the “JOC” national folk-dance group in the Republic of Moldova, Vatra dance group shaped a cultural dance trend in Montreal, earning recognition as a cherished emblem of their homeland.
They are admired for the captivating beauty and dynamic energy of their performances, frequently invited to large-scale events with diverse audiences within both Moldovan and Romanian communities.
At every performance, they thrill, motivate, and inspire!
Recital
Ansamblul Armonia
The “Armonia” children choir was founded in February 2021 in Montreal, Canada, to promote the Romanian language and culture as well as the image of Romania on the North American continent. The members of Armonia are children between 7 and 12 years old and are all of Romanian origin, from both sides of the Prut. In its 3 years of existence, Armonia has won multiple awards at different international music competitions and has participated in numerous artistic events. Armonia’s repertoire contains well known Romanian songs as well as original ones which allow children to get to know and promote the language and culture of our people. In 2023, the “Armonia” children and youth ensemble was founded. Its conductor, Maestro Nicolae Margineanu, musicologist, aims to transmit the beauty of Romanian folklore and instrumental music to the young generation in the Diaspora. The Armonia team is led by the technical coordinator – Sorin Grigorescu and the founder and artistic coordinator – Alina Chirila.
Recital
Brândușa Covalciuc (România)
Brindusa Covalciuc Ciobanu interprets traditional folk music born in lands that have given the world great figures such as Mihai Eminescu, George Enescu, Nicolae Iorga, and Ștefan Luchian. She has been a servant of folk music for over four decades. She is also a producer of radio and TV shows. She has participated in tours both domestically and abroad, including in the USA, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Recital
Valeria Arnăutu (România)
Interpret of folk songs for over four decades, a journalist, radio and television show host, professor, and president of the Romanian Folklore Foundation. He has proudly represented Romania in numerous prestigious international folklore events in France, Serbia, Germany, Turkey, Italy, England, Bulgaria, Greece, Scotland, and the USA. For Valeria Arnăutu, folk songs are a way of life, and folklore represents the unwritten history of the Romanian people.
Recital
Viorica Elena Onut (România)
Viorica Elena Onut sings authentic Romanian folk music from all regions of Romania: donas, ballads, horas, ancient songs. The old folk songs, poems and traditions have played a major role in her formation as an artist since she was a little girl.
In over three decades Viorica Elena Onut released three albums, took part in numerous national and international festivals, radio and TV recordings, carrying alive the torch of Romanian’s heart and soul: the old traditions, songs and verse.
Recital
Viorica Onutiu (România)
Recital
Cosmina Badea
Cosmina Badea was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, studying panflute and she sings since she was 11 years old.
She studied at Dinu Lipatti High School in Bucharest performing and competing at Romanian Atheneum where she had as professors and mentors Cornel Pana and Gheorghe Zamfir.
Cosmina left Romania 20 years ago to the United States where she performs for various private events and parties.
Her motto? “Music is my home!”
Recital
George Rotaru
Born in Transilvania , România with a music career spanning over 5 decades , and a complex repertoire covering a variety of genres,George Rotaru is a well known singer and frequent Romanian tv and radio show guest. He made his 1976 debut at one of the most prestigious romanian musical theatres. In 1990 he settled in the United States and continued performing live, enchanting both Romanian and North American audience with his engaging personality,grace and artistry. George Rotaru is the first Romanian singer to perform in concert at Las Vegas casinos:Maxim and Mardi Gras?
D.J.
Adrian Cune
My name is Adrian Cucuteanu, I was born in Bucharest but moved to New York when I was 7 years old. Living in New York for 35 years has made me appreciate & respect where I come from more than anyone else! I love & support the Romanian Language, Culture & Traditions! I will be doing a full Sound System Setup for the Romanian Festival on Broadway. In addition to helping all Artists(Singers/Dancers) to Showcase their Performances to the New York Public! I am a Dj in the Romanian Community for past 20 years & I will also play Romanian Songs to promote & display our Beautiful Romanian Culture, Music & Traditions!
M.C.
Gilbert Costache
Pop Music
Mira Dandes
Mira Dandes is a POP music singer, born in Republic of Moldova, living currently in Canada. Well known and an active figure in the Romanian and Moldavian Montreal communities, she launched her first song in collaboration with EL Radu, a well-known performer and producer in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Mira Dandes has won numerous awards, participated at various televised musical shows, festivals and musical contests, that took place in Republic of Moldova and Romania, including the FLORENTIN DELMAR – Light Romanian Music Contest. Mira Dandes is following her dream of singing as she’s currently working on her first album, which will most likely be released in the fall of this year.
ENI BAND
ENI is a collaborative effort of Romanian-American and World musicians that blend improvisational jazz
and oriental folklore into a unique, irresistible vibe to end the torpor of all winters. ENI combines
elements of a multitude of genres including Jazz, and world folklore, with pronounced oriental vibes, to
create their own, unique style of music that is shown to induce a ‘soul tremor’ that would appeal to
one’s sensibility and sense of searching for meaning.
Band Members
– Dan Purcea – Guitar
– Daniel Villeneuve – Percussion
– Kaveh Haghtalab – Drums
– Ramon Radosav – Violin
– Carlos Mena – Bass
– Rafael Castro De Oliveira – Piano
ENI creates a musical juxtaposition of the different genres to provoke a sense of universal recognition to
deepen one’s senses. The band’s inspiration comes from multidimensional art and strives to awaken all
the senses by creating space, time, depth, and clarity with a certain super-perception, awareness,
introspection, and empathy through its compositions.
CLOSING
Aliona MUNTEANU and Lucian MÂNDRUȚĂ
OUR DISTINGUISHED SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
