CONCERT ANDREI BANCIU IN LOS ANGELES

February 27, LA - the Romanian pianist, with international fame, Andrei Banciu performed in Los Angeles at Bullocks Wilshire Building. The event has been supported by the Consulate General of Romania, Los Angeles, who has proudly accepted to join an interfaith effort to help people in need.

19 years old pianist Andrei Banciu is among the most remarkable of today’s young pianists. His sound is exquisite, at once transparent and rich, and his intelligence and sensitivity transcend his years. His playing is utterly free of ego, allowing the rare experience of hearing ‘pure” music seemingly direct from the heart of whatever composer he is playing.

“ Banciu is a commanding pianist with brilliant technique and a fearless approach to difficult music…”- Oakwood Register, Dayton, OH

Andrei was born in Timisoara, Romania, where he began studying piano at the age of 6 with Maria Bodo (who is his teacher to this day). His first public appearance was at the age 7, and at age 10 he won 1^st Prize in the National Competition of Romania, where he continued to win top prizes in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

His other competition prizes include:

• 1^st prize, 1995 “Rovere d’Oro” in San Bartolomeu al Mare, Italy (international)
• 2^nd Prize in the National Music Competition in Brasov, Romania (for all instruments, not just piano)
• 2^nd Prize in the 1998 and 2002 at the international Music Competitions “Jeunesses Musicales” Bucharest

Andrei has performed twice as soloist with the Philharmonic of Timisoara (in 2000 under conductor Gheorghe Costin and in 2001 under Mircea Holiartoc) and with the Philharmonic of Arad (2000 under conductor Dorin Frandes).

He first toured the U.S. in 2003 with guest chamber music appearances with the Jacques Thibaud String Trio, at The Music Guild, campus of California State University, Long Beach.

About this event Eugene Golden, Music Director, The Music Guild, Los Angeles said:

“ Andrei Banciu is a real genius…The public [must] know about this wonderful pianist.”