Brașov, Romania
On 8 October, the Brașov Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra returns to Sala Patria in Brașov, Romania, for a compelling evening devoted to two of classical music's most visionary composers. Under the direction of Gerald Karni, the orchestra is joined by acclaimed pianist Andrey Gugnin, whose virtuosity brings exceptional depth and brilliance to this remarkable concert.
Moscow-born concert pianist Andrey Gugnin is rapidly gaining international acclaim as a passionately virtuosic performer, who possesses an ‘extraordinarily versatile and agile technique, which serves an often-inspired musical imagination’ (Gramophone). Winner of the 2016 Sydney International Piano Competition, 2024 'Classic Piano' International Piano Competition, 2023 International German Piano Award, and 2020 BBC Music Magazine Instrumental Category, Andrey has gone from strength to strength in concerts and recordings which exhibit his impassioned interpretations.
In demand as a concert soloist, Andrey has been invited to perform as a guest artist with notable international orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Nederlands Symfonieorkest, Utah Symphony, Johannesburg Philharmonic, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Read MoreAndrey has performed on some of the most prestigious stages worldwide inclusive of the Wiener Musikverein, Konzerthaus Berlin, Victoria Hall Geneva, Carnegie Hall, Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall, Auditorio Nacional de Música, Sydney Opera House, The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Mariinsky Concert Hall, the Louvre, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Andrey has also appeared at several international festivals including Verbier Festival, Klavier
Festival Ruhr, Mariinsky International Piano Festival, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Ohrid Summer Festival, and Duszniki International Chopin Festival.
As a critically acclaimed recording artist, Andrey has published a broad scope of repertoire, ranging from solo piano, chamber works, and concertos. His 2019 Hyperion release of Shostakovich Preludes & Sonatas gained the BBC Music Magazine December 2019 recording of the month and 2020 Instrumental Category prize. Preceding this, his 2018 Piano Classics release of Liszt’s Transcendental Studies which gained Critic’s and Editor’s Choice in Gramophone and the 2007 recording of Shostakovich concertos on Delos International was featured in the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Bridge of Spies. Andrey’s 2025 solo Grieg album on the Hyperion Label was shortlisted in the Gramophone awards.
As a fierce competitor in keyboard competitions worldwide and beyond Andrey’s first prize wins at the Sydney Piano Competition, International German Piano Award, and Dubai 'Classic Piano' International Piano Competition; further awards have included the Gold Medal and Audience Award at the 2014 International Gina Bachauer Piano Competition and second prize at the 2013 Beethoven International Piano Competition in Vienna.
Recent highlights of Andrey’s 2025/2026 season include performances with orchestras such as Galicia Symphony Orchestra, and most recently with the Wisconsin Philharmonic and La Crosse Symphony Orchestra in April 2026.
The Brașov Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, with deep roots in the European musical tradition dating back to 1878, stands today as a benchmark of artistic excellence. The institution’s leadership, represented by figures such as Sebastian Tegzeșiu and Florin Ionescu-Galați, together with the orchestra’s outstanding musicians and guest collaborators, maintains a performance standard that has captivated both local audiences and prestigious concert stages across Europe.
Each year, the Brașov Philharmonic presents more than 160 events in its home venue, Patria Hall, as well as in unconventional spaces, ranging from symphonic concerts and chamber recitals to jazz, film music, contemporary music performances, and educational projects for children.
Founded with the mission of bringing classical music closer to the community, the various musical ensembles and organizational structures that have existed throughout the Philharmonic’s history—including the Brașov Philharmonic Society, the „Gheorghe Dima” Philharmonic Association, and the Brașov State Philharmonic—have successfully navigated two significant historical periods: the interwar era and the communist period.
Read MoreFollowing the difficult years of the Second World War, the credit for reorganizing and reshaping the newly established symphony orchestra belongs unquestionably to the distinguished conductor and professor Dinu Niculescu. The orchestra reached artistic maturity under the baton of Maestro Ilarion Ionescu-Galați, who founded the International Chamber Music Festival, a tradition that continues to this day.
An active member of both the national and international cultural community, the Brașov Philharmonic has received numerous awards in recent years, undertaken concert tours, and collaborated with embassies and renowned artists, continually reaffirming its role as a cultural ambassador of Brașov.
The past six years have marked a period of modernization, rejuvenation, and innovation for the Philharmonic. In September 2020, pianist Ioan Dragoș Dimitriu became the youngest director in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, the orchestra expanded its activities and became an increasingly vibrant presence in the heart of the city. Music was brought into public squares and onto major international stages, culminating in a remarkable tour of England alongside the world-renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov.
In October 2023, the interim management was assumed by Concertmaster Sebastian Tegzeșiu, who transformed each concert into a memorable musical celebration, warmly received by audiences. Through inspired programming and distinguished guest artists, the Brașov Philharmonic once again shone on both local and international stages. On April 9, 2024, the institution made history by performing in Berlin’s prestigious Großer Saal of the Berliner Philharmonie, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Under the baton of Maestro Daisuke Soga, the orchestra delivered a vibrant and emotionally charged interpretation that was met with enthusiastic acclaim from the international audience.
Today, the Brașov Philharmonic remains a vital pillar of Brașov’s cultural life, continuing to bring joy, inspiration, and artistic excellence to its audiences through high-quality concerts and musical events.
