The Second Waltz - Iasi, Palas (adrian Petrescu) [ 2026 Edition ]

Under the baton of the versatile Adrian Petrescu , the performance transformed the garden into a ballroom. Petrescu, known for his work as the principal oboist of the George Enescu Philharmonic and a seasoned conductor, has a unique ability to bridge the gap between high-brow classical and popular incidental music.

Unlike a traditional concert hall, the gardens at Palas Iași allow the music to breathe, inviting the audience to sway along with the rhythm. The second waltz - Iasi, Palas (Adrian Petrescu)

There is something inherently cinematic about Dmitri Shostakovich’s "The Second Waltz." It’s a piece that evokes both grandeur and a touch of melancholy, a combination that felt particularly poignant when performed in the open air at Palas Iași . Under the baton of the versatile Adrian Petrescu

The neo-Gothic silhouette of the Palace of Culture provides a dramatic visual anchor that mirrors the Soviet-era grandeur of the music. Originally composed for the film The First Echelon

Whether you were there to catch a glimpse of the "Moldova" Philharmonic Orchestra or simply happened upon the performance while walking through the park, that evening at Palas was a reminder of why Iași remains the cultural heartbeat of Romania.

Originally composed for the film The First Echelon and later popularized by André Rieu, the waltz is a favorite in Adrian Petrescu's repertoire . At Palas, the setting matched the music:

Petrescu’s conducting often emphasizes the "variety orchestra" roots of the suite—playful, rhythmic, and accessible.