Papaya: MoldoDuo - Radu Rățoi& Ștefan Diaconu

Radu Rățoi: akkordeon & Ștefan Diaconu: fløjter

(Presentation in English below):

Radu og Ștefan stammer fra hhv. Moldova og Rumænien – to lande der grænser op til hinanden, og som kulturelt og sprogligt er nært beslægtede. De to musikere er begge klassisk uddannede med studier i deres hjemlande og internationalt, og de har begge modtaget en betragtelig række af internationale anerkendelser og priser

Radu har man for nylig kunnet opleve i Aalborg til en koncert med ny kompositionsmusik for soloakkordeon, og på hans første CD i eget navn spiller han bl.a. orgelkoncerter arrangeret for akkordeon af bl.a. J.S. Bach og Franz Liszt.

Ved koncerten skal vi primært høre musik fra områdets rige folkemusikalske traditioner. Traditioner der også har inspireret klassiske komponister som Béla Bartók, hvis ”Rumænske Danse” vi også vil blive præsenteret for.

English presentation:

MoldoDuo emerges as a distinctive ensemble, driven by a mission to captivate and challenge audiences. The ensemble draws its name from the diverse origins of its two musicians, Ștefan and Radu, representing different sides of Moldova – the Romanian and the Moldovan. Despite a territorial border dividing their regions, the shared cultural background, language, and musical heritage serve as the foundation for MoldoDuo's commitment to fostering awareness of unity and collaboration.

Individually acclaimed on an international scale, both musicians have embarked on a joint venture to create a musical entity that brings forth an unconventional combination of Flute and Accordion. Radu, a virtuoso on the Keyboard Accordion, has garnered attention for this less common instrument, securing 1st prizes in prominent accordion competitions over the last five years. Ștefan, displaying remarkable flexibility across various instruments, explores traditional musical treasures discovered in the concealed villages of Romania and Moldova. His musical passion extends to conducting, arranging, orchestrating, and score engraving.

MoldoDuo's repertoire is an intriguing amalgamation of original compositions for the ensemble and meticulously arranged pieces. Their musical arrangements, enriched with multiple instruments, improvisation, and diverse playing techniques, aim to extract the essence of the music in line with its stylistic demands. The ensemble actively engages with new music, commissioning pieces from esteemed Romanian, Danish, and Moldavian composers, including Lil Lacy, Doina Rotaru, and Sebastian Androne-Nakanishi, subsequently premiering these works in their concerts.
Radu's custom-made accordion by Pigini and Ștefan's mastery over a 9k Gold Muramatsu Flute and Anton Braun Piccolo Flute underscore the ensemble's dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and an immersive sonic experience for their audience.
In essence, MoldoDuo stands as a dynamic and innovative force, not only celebrating Moldova's cultural heritage but also contributing significantly to the evolution of musical expression. Their performances promise to be a captivating journey, where tradition meets innovation, leaving audiences both surprised and provoked by this unparalleled musical fusion.

Radu Rățoi, born on 20 September 1998 in Chișinău, Moldova, stands as a prominent accordion player, internationally acclaimed by music critics. His remarkable career is punctuated by victories in over 40 national and international competitions, establishing him as one of the most accomplished accordion players of his generation.
Initiating his musical journey at the age of 6 at the School of Arts in Chișinău, specifically "Alexei Starcea," Rățoi's exceptional talent earned him enrollment as a student at the Center of Excellence in Artistic Education, "Stefan Neaga," following his victory in a competition at the age of 9. This early recognition marked the commencement of his formal training under the tutelage of esteemed instructors.

In 2017, Rățoi's commitment and contributions to the cultural sphere were acknowledged with the prestigious "Best Student in Cultural Activity of the Year" award from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova. Undeterred by his successes, he pursued higher education, obtaining both Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, studying under the distinguished accordion teacher, Geir Draugsvoll.
In 2018, his exceptional contributions were honored with the "Diploma of Excellence" by the President of the Republic of Moldova. Rățoi's prowess extends to international stages, with laurels from renowned competitions including Coupe Mondiale (2018), Trophy Mondiale (2018), Klingenthal Accordion Competition (2019), Arrasate Competition (2019), and the International Accordion Competition Moscow (2020).

A crowning achievement in 2022 saw Rățoi being conferred with the esteemed "Master in Arts" distinction, one of the highest Moldavian National honors, presented by President Maia Sandu. His stellar career as a soloist has graced some of the most esteemed concert halls in Europe and Asia, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Radio Concert House Copenhagen, Victoria Concert Hall, Copenhagen Tivoli Hall, Yerevan Aram Khachaturian's Concert Hall, Harbin Concert Hall, and many others.

Ștefan Diaconu, born on 25 September 1990 in Rădăuți, Romania, is a versatile and accomplished artist in the realm of music. His proficiency as a flutist, conductor, music engraver, arranger, and educator is underscored by recent notable achievements. An impressive milestone in Diaconu's career is the successful recording of an audio album featuring the first release of complete works for Wind Instruments by Dinu Lipatti. Collaborating with the esteemed V Coloris Wind Quintet, renowned for its international acclaim. This project demonstrates Diaconu's commitment to delivering exceptional musical experiences.

In the field of music engraving, Diaconu has undertaken substantial projects, including the re-edition of George Enescu's Symphonies in collaboration with Radio France and the pioneering edition of "Complete Work for Wind Instruments" by Dinu Lipatti, among many arrangements for flute & accordion, wind quintet, orchestra and other ensembles.

Academically accomplished, Diaconu earned his Master's in Orchestral Studies – Flute from the Royal Danish Academy of Music in June 2017. Currently, he continues his studies in the Soloist Class at the Danish National Academy of Music in Odense while simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D. at the National University of Music in Bucharest. His foundational education includes dual Bachelor's degrees in Flute and Orchestral Conducting from Bucharest.
Diaconu's artistic merit has been acknowledged through numerous awards at prestigious national and international music competitions, both as an individual performer and in chamber music settings. One of the highlights of his soloist career includes the premiere of "Certo, con flauto," a composition dedicated to him by composer Sebastian Androne-Nakanishi, performed with the Danish Youth Orchestra at the renowned Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest.
As a freelancer in Denmark and Sweden, Diaconu collaborates with esteemed ensembles such as the Copenhagen Phil, Odense Symphony Orchestra, Royal Danish Opera and the Danish String Quartet. Currently, he is actively engaged in coordinating cultural projects aimed at spotlighting Romanian music. These projects include creating a new edition of George Enescu's complete orchestral works, promoting Romanian repertoire for Wind Quintet, transcribing significant works by George Enescu for Flute and Piano, and organizing special music workshops at the National University of Music in Bucharest. Additionally, he is the driving force behind the newest chamber music festival dedicated to Wind instruments: Once Upon Festival in Copenhagen.

Arrangeret af Papaya & Huset

Med støtte fra Kunstrådet & Aalborg Kommune