Dragos Cantea, Classix Festival Iasi: “Iasi is emerging in every field, and classical music should not be held in the same conservatism and traditionalism as it once was”

Classix Festival was conceptualized to fill a cultural and artistic gap by providing a platform for classical music in a contemporary context, aiming to rejuvenate and expand the audience for classical music. Iași is based on a fantastic musical heritage, with highly educated people attending cultural events since the early 1800s. At the same time, it is also a very good place to innovate this artistic segment and to address its sustainability for the decades to come. The city is emerging in every field, and classical music should not be held in the same conservatism and traditionalism as it once was. Therefore, the market was there. The possibilities were there. We just came with an idea which so far was well received and worked.

Classix Festival 2024 marks the fifth edition of the first independent classical music festival in Iași. What does this year’s edition bring that is new and different?

We start to normalize the “exceptional”. We moved away from putting female composers into the spotlight to simply adding them in our programmes without a special remark, as it should have been for centuries. We will have premieres such as “I wish I were Water”, a symphonic suite featuring santoor (Iranian traditional instrument), representing a cultural melting pot of Persian poetry, oriental music on Western classical music and jazz influences. We also have a promising performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring on two pianos including a ballet company and lots of intertwined works between classical music and jazz, such as the case of Paul Schoenfield’s Cafe Music.

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The theme for Classix 2024 centers around “discovering desire” and encourages a deep and personal connection between the audience and classical music. Can you elaborate on how this theme will be integrated into the festival’s chapters?

The “Discover Your Desire!” theme will be woven into the festival’s programming through carefully curated performances that not only present classical masterpieces but also feature works that challenge and intrigue the audience, encouraging exploration of personal desires and reflections. We each want different things – some are nostalgic, others demand sensuality, others are looking for fun and adventure, some seek cathartic experiences and spirituality. Eventually, discovering our own desires – known or unknown shall be an introspective journey through each of our concerts on this edition and we will address a certain desire every evening.

Could you provide some insights into how this year’s theme promotes self-discovery and introspection through classical music? What inspired this particular theme for Classix 2024?

Inspired by the diverse ways in which music can mirror and evoke deep emotional responses, the theme aims to create a space where audiences can confront and reflect on their innermost desires, emotions, and experiences. When we shall explore the powerful and obsessive nature of the Rite of Spring one shall discover his anger instinct and the different struggles between forces of nature. Or, during the Romantic Concert we can learn to appreciate distant cultures united by the same values and the soft power which the arts have on our everyday lives, such as Korea’s tools for cultural diplomacy.

The festival encourages active engagement with the emotional power of classical music and the exploration of desires that resonate with one’s own life. How do you envision attendees connecting with these themes and what kind of experiences can they expect?

Featuring performances that range from nostalgic and sensual to adventurous and spiritual, the festival creates opportunities for personal reflection and emotional exploration. This immersive approach, coupled with interactive elements and discussions, aims to foster a direct connection between the music, the musicians, and the audience, encouraging attendees to explore their own responses and how these resonate with their life experiences.

In what ways do you hope that Classix 2024 will leave a lasting impact on the participants, helping them explore their desires and emotions more deeply through classical music?

I would say our mission would be successful if the attendees leave our concert halls more curious than how they were when they came. We are not here to provide answers, but to seek opportunities and to inspire people for greater things in their everyday lives. We experience emotional rollercoasters almost on a daily basis at the speed the society works now, so if we manage to be aware of some of them and to express them in a healthy way for both us and the ones around us then the win is for everyone involved, including classical music.

Classix Festival seems to have a strong emphasis on community involvement and volunteer participation. Could you elaborate on the significance of volunteers in making the festival successful, and what qualities do you look for in potential volunteers?

Volunteers are pivotal to the success of each Classix, embodying the spirit of community involvement that the festival cherishes. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and a shared love for classical music, contributing significantly to creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Ideal volunteers possess a passion for the arts and international cooperation, reliability, a collaborative spirit, and the desire to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Their dedication helps bridge the gap between artists and the community, ensuring the festival’s relevance at an international level.

We’ve heard about the Classix in Art program and the support it provides to young artists. Could you share more details about this initiative and its impact on the local arts community?

The Classix-in-Art programme supports young artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and gain exposure within the local arts community. This happens through 1-on-1 masterclasses with invited artists, but also getting the chance to perform with them during lunchtime concerts! Last, but not least, the scholarships offered under the same programme, summing up more than 15,000 EUR, helped independent artists with new artwork commissions by Classix and provided a platform for exposure of their artwork (musical, visual, dramatical, literal) in various independent events.

In recent years, Classix Festival has grown significantly in terms of both audience and offerings. How do you envision the festival’s role in the cultural landscape of Romania and internationally?

Classix Festival is poised to significantly influence both the Romanian and international cultural landscapes. As it grows, the festival not only showcases the rich musical heritage of Romania but also serves as a bridge connecting Romanian culture with the global arts community. By fostering collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds and promoting innovative programming, Classix Festival aims to become a pivotal cultural event that attracts global attention, encouraging cultural exchange and enhancing the visibility of Romanian arts on the world stage.

Are there any special collaborations or partnerships that you would like to highlight for this year’s festival?

I definitely would like to showcase the newly-founded Classix Collective this year, which will appear on two occasions in some very exotic performances. The first one will be the “I wish I were Water” symphonic suite by the Iranian composer Mirsaeed Hosseiny Panah, and the second one will be in the “Classix Desire” gala concert, alongside Danish oboist Max Artved and with the Italian bandoneon & guitar duo, Bandini & Chiacchiaretta.

Last, but not least, a small exposure of Korea’s soft power initiatives will take place during the “Romantic Whispers” event, with the premiere of a new commission of Arirang, Korea’s beloved popular tune, arranged for 4 flutes and piano. This will feature a collaboration between 3 Korean flutists acting as guest stars (Soyoun Kim, Jie-Youn Lee, Hyunim Yoon), together with Swiss flutist Philipp Jundt and Swiss pianist Ulrich Koella.

The festival’s program offers a wide range of musical experiences. How can those who are new to classical music best approach it, and is the event accessible and welcoming to beginners in the genre?

Classix is designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, especially those new to classical music! The audience is encouraged to explore the diverse programme, which offers a variety of musical experiences from traditional to contemporary works. The festival’s welcoming atmosphere, the social experience at the interval of each concert and the informative introductions provided before performances make it easy for newcomers to understand and appreciate the music. Engaging with the festival’s community through workshops and talks can also enhance their experience, making classical music approachable and enjoyable for all attendees.

For this edition of the festival, some tickets are still available here.