14 DECEMBER 2024 GAME OF THRONES

The music from the famous series “Game of Thrones” will resonate at the Kálnoky Renaissance Castle in Micloșoara as part of the Candleglow Castle Concert series!

Composed by Ramin Djawadi, this musical masterpiece has set new standards for TV series soundtracks with its unique atmosphere and memorable melodies.

Initially, another composer was hired for the pilot episode of “Game of Thrones,” but they left the project. HBO’s music consultant and the series’ music supervisor then recommended Ramin Djawadi. Although Djawadi initially declined the offer due to scheduling conflicts with another film project, after watching the first two episodes of the series, he began composing music for it.

The music is primarily instrumental and designed to musically support the characters and plots of the series. It features various themes, the most prominent being the title sequence’s iconic melody. The soundtrack has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series in 2018 and 2019. After each season, a soundtrack album was released.

Now, this music comes to life at the Kálnoky Renaissance Castle in Micloșoara through a unique performance by Tóth-Györbiró Apor on cello and Szőcs Botond on piano as part of the Candleglow Castle Concert series!

During this event, the two artists will guide the audience through the epic world of Westeros, performing legendary themes such as the main melody of the series, as well as emotionally rich musical motifs associated with the characters and noble houses. The interaction between cello and piano adds depth and sensitivity to these well-known compositions, presenting Ramin Djawadi's genius creations in a new light.

The dramatic and dark tones of the cello perfectly match the intrigue-filled world of the series, while the refined yet powerful sound of the piano amplifies the emotional impact. The music is dedicated to both fans of the series and anyone who appreciates the blend of cinematic soundtracks and classical music.

The unique interpretation by Tóth-Györbiró Apor and Szőcs Botond brings a fresh perspective to the music of “Game of Thrones,” offering an extraordinary live experience. This concert is not just a musical journey into the world of Westeros but also a rare opportunity to relive the series’ most memorable moments through the language of music.

About the Artists

Szőcs Botond, a pianist renowned for his unmistakably energetic temperament, has gained recognition in the musical world for the intensity of his performances and the compelling power of his interpretations. In 2024, he earned a doctorate from the Faculty of Musical Arts at Transilvania University in Brașov. Botond has participated in national and international competitions, winning over 12 first prizes, including the most recent recognition, the Excellence in Music Award from the American-Romanian Academy of Arts and Sciences. This award honors the best performer, whether a solo instrumentalist, chamber musician, or accompanist, and he currently serves as orchestra leader and pianist at the Tamási Áron Theater in Sfântu Gheorghe. His career highlights include performances both in Romania and abroad, in places like China, Vietnam, Cuba, and Dubai. “The young pianist Szőcs Botond plays wonderfully... A second Richter... I wouldn't even know where to begin—with his care for delivering each musical phrase correctly, his full, rounded sound, or his incredible versatility. Above all, I would highlight his extraordinary sensitivity and matching enthusiasm,” said critic Petra Gherasim in her review of his piano recital at the Romanian Athenaeum.

Tóth-Györbiró Apor (cello), born into a family of musicians, began his musical education as a child. He continued his professional studies at the “Plugor Sandor” Arts High School in Sfântu Gheorghe, followed by the “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy in Cluj-Napoca. Throughout these years, he gained extensive experience with various musical genres, musicians, and producers from countries like the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, and Lithuania.

He started his professional career during his pre-university education with the string quartet “Strike Quartet” in Sfântu Gheorghe, made up of outstanding students from the “Plugor Sandor” Arts High School. He has won awards at National Instrumental Performance Olympiads and collaborated with several national institutions, such as the Satu Mare State Philharmonic, the Romanian Opera in Cluj-Napoca, the Hungarian Opera in Cluj-Napoca, and the Brașov State Philharmonic. Since 2021, he has been involved in projects such as Sepsi Gospel and most recently founded the Lilium Quartet.

Tradition Harmoniously Combines with Innovation and Hospitality

The aim of this cultural project is to transform the Kálnoky Castle into a “vibrant” place, a true landmark of art, where tradition blends harmoniously with innovation and hospitality. It also seeks to support local artists and the community by creating a connection between spectators, visitors, guests, and locals.

Each event in the Candleglow Castle Concert series offers two options: a concert with prosecco at 4:00 PM or a concert with an included dinner at 7:00 PM. Seating is limited and requires prior reservation.

Accommodation is available at the Kálnoky Guesthouses or within the castle itself, where guests can enjoy a unique relaxation program.

For Christmas and New Year, the accommodation package includes additional activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides through the Transylvanian hills, mulled wine tastings, relaxation in outdoor tubs, gingerbread or chimney cake workshops, Christmas tree decorating, Christmas Mass, festive New Year dinners, delicious meals with local gastronomy, and candlelit concerts.

Christmas and New Year Offer: Link to the offer

Note: To fully enjoy your visit to the castle, we invite you to park your car at Stone Pub. Upon arrival, we recommend joining the museum tour, organized at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The ticket costs only 30 RON and can be paid exclusively in cash. After the tour, scheduled to end at 3:30 PM or 6:30 PM, you are invited to relax in the welcoming atmosphere of the castle's cellar. The concert following the tour promises to enchant your senses for approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

We warmly invite you to an unforgettable cultural experience!