Romania, Pakistan reaffirm strengthening cultural ties
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Romania in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), awarded certificates to students who successfully completed Pakistan’s pioneering Opera Singing Courses during a ceremony held at the Romanian Embassy on Tuesday.
The event brought together diplomats, cultural figures, and music enthusiasts to recognize the achievements of young Pakistani artists who have become the country’s first formally trained opera singers.
Among those present were Ambassador of Romania Dan Stoenescu, renowned Romanian soprano Georgiana Costea-Glugă, Chairman of the Pakistan-Romania Friendship Association Zaildar Shah, Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, and Ghulam Muhammad, Incharge of Music Classes at PNCA.
The commendation certificates were awarded to outstanding students Imran Parvez Khan, Iria Siona, Ayzer Adeel, and Mohammad Tayyab Akbar for their successful completion of the specialized training program.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu described the graduates as pioneers of a new artistic movement in Pakistan.
“The certificates we present today represent only the first tangible result of a long-term endeavor. These four award recipients are much more than graduates of a course; they are officially the pioneers of opera music in Pakistan. Their dedication, perseverance, and passion have laid the foundations for a new artistic tradition and opened a path for future generations of Pakistani performers,” he said.
Romanian soprano Georgiana Costea-Glugă, who has been teaching the courses, praised the dedication and progress of the students. She noted that the participants were breaking new ground in Pakistan’s music landscape and demonstrating the universal power of music to connect cultures and communities.
“These students are opening an entirely new path for future generations and demonstrating that music is a universal language that transcends all borders. I am extremely proud of their progress and firmly convinced that this is only the beginning of an extraordinary artistic journey,” she remarked.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a unique educational initiative launched on April 9, 2025. Conducted twice weekly at the PNCA, the opera singing courses introduce Pakistani students to the rich traditions of Romanian and European classical music while promoting intercultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.
The curriculum focuses on developing essential skills for lyrical performance, including vocal technique, stage presence, musical interpretation, and artistic expression.
Since its inception, the program has emerged as a successful example of cultural diplomacy, fostering meaningful exchanges between Romanian and Pakistani artists and institutions.
Officials from both the Embassy of Romania and PNCA reaffirmed their commitment to expanding artistic and educational opportunities and strengthening bilateral cultural relations through collaborative initiatives.
The Opera singing courses remain open to aspiring vocalists of all skill levels. Held every Wednesday and Friday at the PNCA in Islamabad, the programme offers professional guidance to participants aged 14 and above, while younger students receive foundational vocal training.
