International Women Day 2021 - Andreea Runceanu
This year to honour the International Women Day, we’re shining a light on Women Who Make Waves in the music industry, celebrating their achievements and incredible journey’s.
We’ve sat down with Andreea Runceanu, violin player of Amadeus quartet, the all female group that, with their unique rhythm and sound, has created a whole new modern music scene in the shadows of many famous classical musicians. Learn more about Andreea in the interview below:
What message would you address to your younger self?
To the 20 year old Andreea I'd recommend being more gentle with herself, less critical, and to not judge herself for her choices. I'd tell her to be proud of everything she's accomplished so far. And I'd assure her that she has everything she needs to achieve everything she dreams of. She just needs to surround herself with people that share her dreams and enjoy the ride.
What does it mean to you to express yourself?
In a society in which we wish to be like our peers, we all crave to find the resources and environment that will allow us to be authentic. Art in general and, in my case, music, is the best pretext to get out of the crowd and to express your inner self. It's the way I can communicate what I feel and what I believe in. When I play the violin, there's a visible transformation that occurs. I enter a space that is free from all fears, doubts, judgment. I just simply and totally live in the present moment and I feel the urge to celebrate life and the beauty of the world with all human beings. And yes, when you express yourself authentically, through music, through words, through any art form, you can only do it by totally opening up. And that makes you vulnerable.
What was the most important performance, which encouraged you on your musical path?
The moment that probably had the greatest impact on my career was the first performance by Amadeus in front of a large crowd, in 2001, when I experienced a new feeling, never before felt in the concerts and recitals I had before. I was a second year student at the Music Academy and most of my experience on stage had targeted performance, not sheer joy. I remember that first concert perfectly. We got up on stage and nobody knew who we were. When the music started, people were thrilled. They started dancing, clapping and I knew right there and then that I was finally free to express myself exactly the way I feel in that very moment, without being boxed in by any judgement.