16 NOVEMBER 2024 SHINDLERS'S LIST / THE PIANIST / CHOPIN

The Candleglow Castle concert series (held at the Kálnoky Castle in Micloșoara, Covasna) continues on November 16 with a moving repertoire: Schindler’s List, a masterpiece of film music, and The Pianist – a powerful story of survival through art.

The castle, a former hunting lodge, opened its doors this autumn for a biannual event that brings classical music, reinterpreted by candlelight, to the heart of this historic monument, which now houses the Museum of Transylvanian Life!

Through the Candleglow Castle concerts, Kálnoky Castle aims to offer a unique cultural experience for attendees, combining impressive architecture and history with the refinement of modern symphonic music. The project’s goal is to transform the castle into a significant venue for art and community, where tradition harmoniously blends with innovation.

“Micloșoara has always been a place for the Kálnoky family to host guests and enjoy music. Classical music can be difficult to access for a wide audience, so we thought of using famous film scores or tracks by well-known artists in a unique context: with classical instruments in the castle’s magical cellar, illuminated solely by candlelight. It’s worth coming from Brașov or Bucharest for this experience because it’s a unique opportunity for a magical weekend! An intimate musical experience within the walls of the medieval castle,” says Count Tibor Kálnoky, the event host.

Schindler’s List: A Moving Soundtrack, a Masterpiece of Film Music

The soundtrack of Schindler’s List, composed by John Williams, is a musical gem of contemporary cinema. Released in 1993 for Steven Spielberg’s film, this Oscar-, BAFTA-, and Grammy-winning album highlights a stunning violin performance that conveys profound emotion and depth.

The main theme of Schindler’s List has become one of cinema’s most iconic musical motifs, with a violin solo that evokes both melancholy and inner strength, leaving a powerful impression on the audience.

The Pianist: A Moving Story of Survival Through Art

The Pianist, a biographical film directed by Roman Polanski and released in 2002, tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish pianist and Holocaust survivor. In the film, music is a fundamental presence, reflecting the profound emotions experienced by Szpilman. From the beginning, the delicate sound of Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor evokes an irresistible nostalgia, and Chopin’s music continues to accompany Szpilman’s journey. Intense scenes are complemented by emblematic pieces such as Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Chopin’s Ballad in G minor, Op. 23.

The concert will take place in the castle’s wine cellar, where the piano of Szőcs Botond and the cello of Tóth-Györbiró Apor will create a vibrant, magical atmosphere in a setting that transports audiences to another era.

About the Artists

Szőcs Botond, a pianist known for his unmistakable energetic temperament, has made his mark in the music world through the intensity and compelling power of his artistic performances. In 2024, he received his doctorate from the Faculty of Musical Arts at Transylvania University in Brașov. Botond has participated in national and international competitions, winning over 12 first prizes; his most recent recognition is the Excellence in Music Award from the American-Romanian Academy of Arts and Sciences, granted to the best performer, whether as a soloist, chamber ensemble member, or accompanist, at the Tamási Áron Theater in Sfântu Gheorghe, where he also serves as an orchestra leader and pianist. Highlights of his career include performances in both his home country and abroad, including in China, Vietnam, Cuba, and Dubai.

Tóth-Györbiró Apor (cello), born into a family of musicians, began his musical education as a child. He pursued his formal training at the “Plugor Sándor” Art High School in Sfântu Gheorghe, followed by the “Gheorghe Dima” Academy of Music in Cluj-Napoca. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience with diverse musical genres, musicians, and producers from the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, and Lithuania.

He started his professional career while still in high school as part of the “Strike Quartet” string quartet from Sfântu Gheorghe, comprised of outstanding students from the “Plugor Sándor” Art High School. He has received awards at the National Instrumental Performance Olympiad and has had the opportunity to collaborate with multiple national institutions, including 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 collaborated on various projects, including Sepsi Gospel, and his latest experience includes founding the Lilium Quartet string quartet.

The organizers of the Candleglow Castle concerts welcome audiences to experience this intimate gathering, where music and history meet in the heart of Transylvania! Each concert offers two options: a concert with prosecco at 4:00 PM or a concert with dinner included at 7:00 PM. Seats are limited and require prior reservation.