Burneci Music and Exces Music are launching the Romanian Youth Jazz Orchestra project — the first jazz orchestra in Romania dedicated exclusively to young musicians. In this regard, the organizers are opening the registration period, which will run from September 1 to October 1, 2025. The project targets students aged 12 to 18, studying in schools and high schools in Bucharest and across the country. The aim is to offer talented young musicians the opportunity to perform in a professional jazz ensemble and benefit from the mentorship of established artists.
The selected candidates will be guided and mentored by renowned figures from the Romanian jazz scene, including saxophonist Cătălin Milea, guitarist Liviu Negru, trombonist Ciprian Partenie, pianist Johnny Bica, drummer Laurențiu Zmău, double bassist Alexandru Marin, and trumpeter Sebastian Burneci, under the musical direction of Simona Strungaru — well-known conductor, composer, and leader of the Radio Romania Big Band.
“This project is a natural continuation of the educational activities that Simona Strungaru and Sebastian Burneci have carried out over the years, inviting young musicians to perform as soloists in the Radio Romania Big Band’s special concerts for children — the Jazz for Kids series. That’s when the question inevitably arose: why not have a youth orchestra dedicated to jazz, considering how many talented young people are discovering this genre with enthusiasm? I’m glad that together we can rise to this challenge, and I’m confident the results will be appreciated by both performers and audiences alike.”
— Sebastian Gheorghiu, Cultural Manager, Director of Exces Music
“I believe the existence of a youth jazz orchestra is extremely important, and I’m truly happy that, in the current context, I can join my colleagues in laying the foundation for such an ensemble. We will do everything in our power to provide young musicians with the very best we have to offer.”
— Sebastian Burneci, Principal Trumpeter, Radio Romania Big Band
“As important as studying music is, equally vital is being able to envision and shape your own artistic path as a future musician. Feeling that the road you’re on is leading you toward great stages, and knowing you are supported by experienced professionals, is essential for young people to grow with joy and curiosity. Romania offers a wealth of opportunities for young artists, and I’m very happy we can help build a beautiful future for all those who love quality music.”
— Simona Strungaru, Conductor, Radio Romania Big Band
The project will debut on December 4, 2025, at Sala Radio in Bucharest, during the event “Radio Romania Big Band Meets the Romanian Youth Jazz Orchestra”, under the musical direction of Simona Strungaru. For more details regarding eligibility, regulations, and the registration form, interested students are invited to contact: [email protected].
Partners: Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation (Societatea Română de Radiodifuziune), UCIMR – The Union of Romanian Performing Musicians (Uniunea de Creație Interpretativă a Muzicienilor din România), Adams Percussion, Bucharest Jazz Club.
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