I remember my mother's joy when she announced that she had discovered an interview by Octavian Lazăr Cosma in a newspaper about the “George Georgescu” Competition in Tulcea. I was in Paris at the time and had not yet learned of this wonderful initiative by the Tulcea School of Arts, which was named after my father, George Georgescu.
It was wonderful because, spontaneously, the teachers thought to perpetuate the memory of a great artist born in Tulcea County, specifically in Sulina, who dedicated his entire life to music and contributed to the formation of several generations of musicians and music lovers.
George Georgescu loved young people. He established general rehearsals to which students had free access. He encouraged and conducted the first concerts of very talented children who would later become illustrious artists: Claudio Arrau, Henryk Szeryng, Antonio Janigro, Dinu Lipatti, Valentin Gheorghiu, and Lola Bobescu.
I remember my first participation in the competition with my mother. The wonderful Mrs. Aurelia Vasile was the Principal of the School and led the entire organization with a magic touch. Her leadership, as well as that of her colleagues who followed — Roxana Sava, Dumitru Damian, Mariana Pavel, Claudia Pahom-Grigore, and the continuous contribution of the energetic Monica Buhai — integrated this annual event into the life of the city.
In May, Tulcea acquires a youthful and festive atmosphere. The participating children, full of excitement, along with their parents and relatives, even more excited than the little ones, wait nervously at the door of the competition hall for their turn. An intense atmosphere of effervescence reigns everywhere, but also of joy — the joy of participating in or witnessing a difficult competition with valuable participants. Flowers, bustle, a jury composed of great musicians and well-known teachers, brief exchanges about the different interpretations.
A true family is formed, for a few days, united by the love of music. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all those who dedicate an entire year to making this event better, more varied, and more interesting with each edition. Over its 30 years of existence, the “George Georgescu” International Interpretation Competition has become a reference point, respected and attracting more than three hundred young people from all over the country and abroad each year. BRAVO!
Bravo and thanks to all the local forums that have consistently supported and made the existence of this Competition possible. For me, May in Tulcea has a special meaning: it allows me to relive the warm presence of my father and fills my heart for a long time with the satisfaction of passing on the love for music to younger generations.
Music is not only a career, but also a gateway to the horizons of knowledge and self-enrichment. The Grand Prize, which I created together with my mother, is meant to reward the talent and effort of a budding young artist, but, above all, to encourage the aspiration toward excellence in a developing individual.
For more information, visit the official website of the Tulcea Contest: https://concursulgeorgegeorgescu.ro/
