“Some thought we were already established performers in Romania” (Mihnea Stroe, 1st year Master’s, piano)
“It’s an immense opportunity for which I’m deeply grateful.” (Ioana Movileanu, 2nd year, classical cello)
Students of the National University of Music in Bucharest (UNMB) participated, between April 13 and May 11, in Japan, at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka to hold daily concerts at the Romanian Pavilion, under the COOLsound on tour, a project that highlights young Romanian musicians and performing artists.
The film UNMB Students at Expo 2025 Osaka by Virgil Oprina
Diana Moș, Rector of the National University of Music Bucharest, said: “The students have been here since April 13 and will continue performing until May 11. Even though they’re playing micro-recitals from morning to evening, not only are they not tired, but they’re increasingly thrilled each day by the enthusiastic reactions from audiences who come from all over the world. I am proud of them—we have talented, sensitive, and intelligent young people. I am truly happy that we’re able to bring them to the forefront and give them the visibility they deserve.”
While in Japan for a few days to attend both the UNMB artistic events and those of Violoncellissimo—a group of Master’s students and alumni of UNMB led by Prof. Dr. Marin Cazacu—Diana Moș also visited Kobe College, a private all-girls institution covering middle school, high school, and university levels, including a music faculty. There, she met with University President Nakano Keiichi, establishing the first point of contact between the two institutions. Together with professor and conductor Osanu Matsuura, they toured the campus and attended several classes. The inter-university visit was initiated and facilitated by Romanian violinist, professor, and conductor Ciprian Marinescu, a UNMB alumnus long based in Osaka and a passionate promoter of Romanian music and culture abroad.
Diana Moș remarked: “It was an extremely valuable exchange of experiences. Kobe College is impressive in how it balances tradition and modernity. My visit confirmed the potential for meaningful international collaborations between our institutions—based on mutual respect, academic excellence, and cultural openness. I enjoyed listening to the young musicians there just as much as I enjoy hearing our own students from Romania.”
Every day, for several hours, Japanese and international visitors line up outside the Romania Pavilion to listen to these young Romanian students perform. Mihnea Stroe, 1st year Master’s, piano: “My experience at the Osaka Expo so far has been fantastic. It’s an honor to represent Romania at the Pavilion. It’s a unique experience to see so many cultures in one place—outdoor concerts, diverse exhibitions, visual art, technology—all close together, yet so distinct. I’m happy that we could contribute to that diversity through music. I performed both Romanian and international repertoires. The audience was very diverse, with people from all around the world, and they were always delighted—especially with the Romanian music we performed.”
Ioana Movileanu, 2nd year student, cello: “It is an honor, and I feel incredibly proud and happy to be at the Expo in Osaka. It’s a joy to see people from all over the world, to interact with them, and of course, to bring them joy through our music, together with my colleagues. After each concert, people come up to us, greet us, want to take pictures—they’re genuinely excited to listen to us, and that, of course, is deeply fulfilling. At this age, I believe it’s especially important to travel, to meet people from different cultures. I’m so happy I was chosen for this. I love traveling, expressing myself in as many ways and places as possible, gaining a wealth of experiences, and growing both as an artist and as a person. It’s an immense opportunity, and I’m very grateful for it.”
The event has brought—and will continue to bring through May 11—a variety of artists to the stage: Mihnea-Ioan Stroe (piano), Ioan Bănescu (classical guitar), Lucian Albu (flute), Claudia Marinescu (soprano), and Horia Radu (bass-baritone), performing in various chamber music ensembles.
The Risoluto String Quartet complements the Romanian lineup in Japan with its members: Iulian Băluțel (violin I), Anastasia Pașat (violin II), Ștefania Cîrjaliu (viola), and Ioana Movileanu (cello). The jazz component is represented by Delta Trio, made up of Denisa Troncea (vocals), Alex Mișu (guitar), and Luca Ioachimescu (bass guitar).
The artistic program features fresh interpretations and bold approaches to some of the most beloved pieces from both Romanian and international repertoires—classical and jazz—performed daily at the Romania Pavilion until May 11.
COOLsound is a concept that showcases the always-surprising ways in which young artists take on the act of artistic creation—raising awareness among audiences of all ages about the innovative ways Romanian youth achieve the highest levels of artistic performance.
First held in 1851, the World Expo is one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the world, taking place every five years. In 2025, the Expo is expected to draw significant crowds to Japan’s second-largest city, known also as the country’s culinary capital.
Organizer: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Main Partners: National University of Music Bucharest, Ministry of Education and Research
Cultural Partners: The Culture Club, Pro Contemporania
Traditional Partner: JTI
Media Partners: Radio România Actualități, Radio România Cultural, Radio România Muzical, România TV, Mediatrust, Liternet, Agenția de Carte
Photo Credit: Virgil Oprina
