Madrigal - Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir wraps up successful Kazakhstan tour

The Madrigal - Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir led by Anna Ungureanu wrapped up its successful international tour in Kazakhstan titled 'The Silk Road', a strategic cultural diplomacy initiative aimed at promoting the Romanian artistic heritage and strengthening intercultural relations with the Central Asian region.

Organized at the invitation and with the support of ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan Madalina Lupu, the performances took place in venues iconic for the Kazakh history and culture: the Astana Opera House, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (Astana Pyramid) and the UNESCO site of Otrar, gathering a total audience of over 4,000.

Some highlights of The Silk Road tour: over 7,000 kilometers traveled; 4 major cultural events organized in 4 landmark locations in Kazakhstan; over 4,000 spectators - from officials and diplomats to young people and culture enthusiasts; 5 international institutional collaborations activated through this project; the international release of the album 'National Anthems of the Central Asian States'; the filming of the European Anthem Ode to Joy in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana.

The tour's debut - the absolute premiere of The Silk Road show conducted by Anna Ungureanu on the stage of the prestigious Astana Opera House - carried a deep symbolic significance. Specially conceived for this occasion, the show combined the Romanian and universal choral repertoire with an original set and visual direction designed to reflect the idea of journey, exchange and cultural convergence. The program included works from the Romanian repertoire, adapted choral hymns from Central Asian countries and symbolic pieces from the Kazakh folklore, such as Yapuray and Agugay, which were met with open-stage applause.

A special moment in the tour program was the concert 'Madrigal for Babies' held at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and dedicated to tender-age listeners - babies. The concept developed in Romania and successfully implemented in multiple editions was adapted for the first time for the Kazakhstan audiences. Parents and children were surrounded by warm lights and harmonic sounds designed to stimulate the emotional connection between the little ones, the music and their surroundings.

Another important event was the launch of the album 'National Anthems of the Central Asian States', a first-run project from the international series 'Madrigal: Anthems of the World', which brings together choral adaptations of the national anthems of Romania, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The album was officially presented in a concert hosted by the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana, in the presence of officials and the local cultural community, the Romanian one included, as a musical reflection of the artistic partnership between Romania and Central Asia. Also here, the Madrigal Choir filmed its most recent rendition of the European Anthem, which was released on May 9, Europe Day.

As part of the program 'Romanian Contemporary Music in Ancient Universal Sites', the Madrigal Choir, the multimedia team and director Emil Pantelimon shot a song in the unique setting of the ghost town of Otrar, an important archaeological site included in the UNESCO heritage.

This initiative consists of the reinterpretation of modern Romanian music in settings of universal value, enticing a dialogue between the melodic present and the architectural and historical past. The result is a video that will be released in June this year and that is expected to have considerable international impact.

Official recognition did not take long to come, as Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko sent a message of support: "We are grateful for the opportunity to experience Romania's rich cultural heritage through the performances of the Madrigal Choir. This cultural event is a first in Kazakhstan and undoubtedly carries a historical significance."

In the centennial anniversary year 'Marin Constantin 100', the Madrigal Choir continues its journey of excellence with further high-magnitude cultural initiatives aimed at promoting the Romanian musical heritage on the world's great stages.

'Madrigal: The Silk Road' tour was organized by the Madrigal - Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir and the Romanian Ministry of Culture, with the support of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.