In Flow
Radu Vâlcu – "In Flow": A New Sound for Chamber Music
A Sonic Journey into the Flow State:
In a constantly evolving world where tradition and innovation increasingly intersect on the cultural scene, the project "Radu Vâlcu – In Flow" offers a new perspective on musical composition, focusing on revitalizing the chamber music repertoire for classical guitar and solo instruments. This endeavor is realized by combining traditional instruments with specific effects, collaborating with vocal and instrumental soloists, and integrating artists specialized in live electronics. The project aims to create an immersive sound universe designed to induce the state of "flow."
"In Flow" will materialize through a series of 7 musical compositions, which will be presented in a national tour, including 6 concerts and 10 workshops specifically targeting young audiences. The events will highlight the collaborations between Radu Vâlcu, Mircea Gogoncea, and Mihai Balabaș, who will jointly compose and produce the album.
The project promotes contemporary creation and the mobility of young artists, stimulating participatory cultural consumption through creative musical workshops. These workshops will be accessible to both music students and students from rural schools, areas with limited access to culture.
Project Vision:
Inspired by the concept of "flow state" defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the vision behind the project "Radu Vâlcu – In Flow" focuses on musical creation through the use of repetitive modules, the exploration of textures and sonorities specific to each instrument, and the inclusion of frequencies generated by live electronics.
About Radu Vâlcu:
Radu Vâlcu is a guitarist with notable achievements in classical and jazz music. A laureate of the prestigious classical guitar competition in Volos, Greece, Radu was selected in 2019 to participate in the Eurostrings European tour, representing Romania within the European Union. He is also the founder and principal composer of the group RVQ (Radu Vâlcu Quintet), where he showcases his talent not only as a performer but also as a creator.
"Radu Vâlcu - In Flow" is a cultural project co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. The project does not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the project results may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the funding beneficiary.
About Mircea Gogoncea:
Mircea Gogoncea, a 31-year-old Romanian-German guitarist based in Los Angeles, is one of the most celebrated guitarists in the world. With over 400 concerts on five continents and 113 music awards, his influence on the global music scene is significant.
In 2022, Mircea debuted as a composer with an hour-long performance of original music for guitar, live electronics, and audience interaction. This innovative format breaks down traditional barriers, encouraging active audience engagement during live concerts.
In 2018, he organized the first guitar workshop and masterclass in Lagos, Nigeria, funding the project through a seven-concert tour in India. The documentary he produced about this journey inspired donations of professional instruments to young musicians in Lagos.
Mircea holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in guitar performance from USC Thornton, along with five other degrees. He graduated with honors from the Royal Academy of Music in London and completed the prestigious Konzertexamen program at the Robert Schumann University in Düsseldorf, Germany.
About Mihai Balabaș:
Mihai Balabaș is a Romanian musician and sound designer, known for his versatility in violin and guitar. A graduate of the National University of Music Bucharest, Mihai has collaborated with the Romanian Broadcasting Society and performed with bands like Trei Parale (Romanian traditional music), Bucium (ethno-rock), and Radu Valcu Quintet (classical/jazz/world/fusion). He has contributed to several albums, including "Daydream" (2020) and "Romania 100 de minute" (2023), and has performed across Europe.
As a founding member of Avant'n'Gard/Soare Staniol, Mihai has produced albums and participated in numerous festivals. His work as a sound designer includes collaborations with Maria Balabaș on sound installations and performances, and he has also contributed to film soundtracks and theater productions. Mihai's diverse musical projects highlight his commitment to exploring and blending different genres and artistic expressions.