In this trip we invite you to see that Romania is in fact a very good location for Opera and a visit to our theaters is worth your while. The Romanian Opera times started at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. One of the famous singers at the begining of the 20th century was Hariclea Darcle (1860-1939). She had a glamourous international career and her voice managed to impress Giacomo Puccini. The great Italian composer wrote Tosca especially for her, and it was premiered on the 14th of January 1900, in Teatro Costanzi, Rome. She was also the primadona in the world premiers of Catalani’s “La Wally”, and Mascagni’s “Iris”.
Called “the first Romanian lyrical stage” with good reason, the Romanian Opera House in Bucharest acquired a high national and international recognition both through the individual value of its artists and through the qualities of the ensembles conferring the group a distinct personality. Since 1953 when it moved into the new building, the theatre has hosted more than 150 first performances (some of them being composed of several short works) and each year the repertory is enriched with new shows.
For almost a century, the Romanian Opera school has been appreciated for its high professional level, all over the world, and all its representatives have a high recognition on the greatest opera stages. Singers such as Zenaida Pally, Nicolae Herlea, Elena Cernei, Octav Enigarescu, David Ohanesian, Ludovic Spiess, Magda Ianculescu, Marina Krilovici, Valentin Teodorian, Cornel Stavru, Teodora Lucaciu, Dan Iordachescu, Maria Sindrilaru, Vasile Martinoiu, have all been schooled at the Romanian Opera House in Bucharest and have gained, with each show, a high recognition of their mastery over the world. A special mention for Nicolae Herlea (1927 -), one of the most important baritones that world of opera has ever had. He was the golden voice of the 60’s, giving memorable performances in Verdi, Rossini, or Puccini’s masterpieces. At the same time, the opera world recognized Ion Piso and Ion Buzea, as the most valuable tenors of that period. In the 70-90’s the sopranos Mariana Nicolesco, Ileana Cotrubas and Viorica Cortez had impressive international careers, performing on Scala di Milano, Covent Garden, Metropolitan, Oppernstadt or Opera of Paris stages, alongside the greatest opera artists.
Nowadays, Angela Gheorghiu, is the most famous Romanian singer. She began during the last decade an appreciated international career as Placido Domingo’s musical partner, and performing later, as his husband Roberto Alagna does, a famous tenor also, in unique appearances, such as Floria Tosca, Violetta, Lucia di Lamermour, or Gilda, conquering thousands and thousands of opera fans, across the world.Year by year, the Romanian Opera school launches many singers that are the winners of important opera contests, such as Geneva, Moscova, Busetto, Roma, etc. or are aclaimed on important opera stages, too. Ion Holander, General Manager of the State Opera of Vienna, born in Romania - Timisoara, director of many international musical festivals, considers the Romanian Opera one of the prestigious and notorious schools of the world, that act at very high level.
DAY 1 Arrival in Bucharest
Arrival in Bucharest, 4* Hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 2 The first Opera show
Bucharest city tour in the morning (for approx. 3 hours), we will visit the Cotroceni Palace, the Village Museum, the Patriarchal Church etc. In the evening we will go to the rst concert. Second night in Bucharest.
DAY 3 Departure to Iasi
After breakfast, departure to Iasi. The journey will take about 5-6 hours so we will arrive at lunch time. Accommodation at a 4* Hotel and leisure time. In the evening, dinner in a monastery where we will attend a Byzantin vocal concert held by students at the Theological Institute of Iasi.
DAY 4 A second Opera show
In the morning we will have a city tour, visit the Dobrovat monastery (15 th century ) near by. In the evening we will attend the Opera in Iasi.
DAY 5 Visit of the painted monasteries
We head for Gura Humorului and visit the famous monk monastery of Neamt before our arrival in Bucovina, known for its famous painted monasteries. In 2 days we will visit Humor, Voronet and Moldovita monasteries. If time permits, we might also visit Sucevita monastery. Dinner and accommodation at a 4* Hotel.
DAY 6 Departure to Cluj
We continue our visit to the monasteries and head for Cluj where we will arrive late in the afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at a 3* Hotel.
DAY 7 A third Opera show
Cluj city tour in the morning and afternoon at leisure. In the evening we attend another show at the Opera.
DAY 8 Departure to Timisoara
We will visit one of the citadels of Transylvania. Lunch and city tour of Alba Iulia. We arrive in Timisoara in the afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at a 3* Hotel.
DAY 9 A forth Opera show
Short tour of the city in the morning. We might also visit Lenau Heim, the place where the famous 1848 poet Lenau was born and visit the interesting museum of Lenau Heim. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening we go to Opera.
DAY 10 On the way to Bucharest
The 600 km drive to Bucharest begins. We stop in Tirgu Jiu, and see the works of Constantin Brancusi the father of modern art, and also some of the Walachian monasteries (Hurezi). Lunch on the way and accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Vilcea or Pitesti (maybe at Hurezi monastery).
DAY 11 The last Opera show
On the way we will visit Curtea de Arges monastery, burial place of the king’s family (Hohenzollern family) and at about 2.00 PM arrival in Bucharest. In the evening we attend the last Opera show.
DAY 12 Departure home
• 3 and 4* Hotels
• 4* Bus
• Professional guide
• half board + 9 lunches
• typical lunches or dinners
• Entrance fees to museums and concerts.
For further information please contact: Cultural Romtour, ofce@culturalromtour.ro
