Valentin Gheorghiu

Romanian pianist and composer, born 21th March 1928 in Galați. Brother of Ștefan Gheorghiu, died 17th July 2023. He was one of the greatest musicians Romania had, a corresponding member of the Romanian Academy since 2014 and received the highest honors for his extraordinary career. He received, among others, the National Order "Faithful Service" - in the Grand Cross degree, as a sign of appreciation for "the contribution brought to the progress and progress of Romania" and the National Order "Star of Romania", "as a sign of deep appreciation for what achieved in his extraordinary musical career, as a pianist and composer", both offered by the Presidency of Romania. He is considered to be one of Romania's greatest pianists, being noticed and appreciated by George Enescu and Cella Delavrancea. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Culture, George Enescu said that Valentin Gheorghiu is "a talent that must be watched closely". He participated in the first edition of the "George Enescu" International Festival and Competition in 1958, and won the first prize together with his brother, the violinist Ștefan Gheorghiu, for the performance of Sonata no. 3 "in popular Romanian character" by George Enescu. Member of the jury of the George Enescu International Competition, master Valentin Gheorghiu will remain in our memory as a model of professionalism, modesty and gentleness.