Romanian actor Marcel Iureș paid tribute to the country’s greatest composer, George Enescu, during a special cultural event marking the 145th anniversary of Enescu’s birth at the Rosetti-Tescanu – George Enescu Memorial House in Tescani, northeastern Romania.
Organised by the George Enescu National Museum, the anniversary celebration transformed the historic manor where Enescu spent some of his most productive years into a space where literature and music converged in homage to one of Romania’s defining cultural figures.
In the manor’s „Oedipe” Salon, Iureș gave a dramatic reading from Memories of George Enescu, a volume compiled by French musicologist Bernard Gavoty. Through the actor’s distinctive voice, audiences followed Enescu’s reflections on his childhood, artistic calling and lifelong devotion to music.
The recital was accompanied by pianist and cimbalom player Cătălin Răducanu, whose performance included movements from Enescu’s Suite No. 2, Op. 10—„Pavane” and „Bourrée”—followed by improvisations inspired by Romanian folk music and Enescu’s celebrated Romanian Rhapsody No. 1.
Before the performance, Iureș described the gathering as more than a commemorative event.
„The fact that we are together should be, beyond the joy of being together, a sign that something good and beneficial is happening here. That is important,” the actor told the audience.
Enescu remains a model for future generations
Speaking after the recital, Iureș described Enescu as not only Romania’s greatest composer but also one of the country’s most enduring cultural role models.
„Enescu is a HUMAN BEING and a CREATOR, in the fullest sense of the words,” he said. „People often claim we lack role models. That is simply not true. We have them everywhere. Enescu is one of the greatest examples of someone who built himself through talent, discipline and dedication.”
The acclaimed actor also praised the new generation of Romanian classical musicians, saying the country is witnessing the emergence of exceptional pianists, cellists and other performers who continue Romania’s rich artistic tradition.
A place where Enescu’s spirit still resonates
For pianist Cătălin Răducanu, the evening offered more than a concert.
„I felt Enescu’s presence throughout the event—through Marcel Iureș’s reading and through the music. It was an evening immersed in Enescu’s spirit, something that does not happen very often,” he said.
Răducanu also described Tescani as a place that has become synonymous with Romanian musical heritage and artistic friendship.
A call to preserve Romania’s cultural landmarks
During an interview following the event, Iureș expressed concern over what he described as insufficient attention given to Tescani by public authorities.
„There is a cloud hanging over Tescani, and that cloud is indifference,” he said. „This is an extraordinary place that deserves far more respect, attention and appreciation.”
Despite those concerns, the actor said he was encouraged by the large audience that attended the anniversary celebration, calling it a sign that people continue to value authentic cultural experiences.
Culture shapes society, even if the results are not immediate
Reflecting on the role of culture in today’s world, Iureș warned against reducing artistic value to visibility or commercial success.
„Culture does not produce instant results,” he said. „It produces the quality of human beings, and we see the effects 20, 50 or even 90 years later.”
Asked about his personal refuge from the pressures of modern life, the actor replied that it begins with „one’s own mind,” followed by books, memory and the cultural legacy left by previous generations.
The event at Tescani formed part of the George Enescu National Museum’s programme dedicated to celebrating the composer’s 145th anniversary, reaffirming the importance of preserving both his artistic legacy and the historic place that inspired some of his work.
