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Description
The project aims at the rehabilitation and restoration of the historical building owned by the musician Paul Constantinescu, implying a new and improved version of the Museum, proper facilities to grant non-discriminatory access for people with disabilities and a suitable space for hosting cultural events. The Paul Constantinescu Memorial Museum in Ploiești, department of the Prahova County Museum of History and Archaeology, is based in the building in which the composer lived. The house was built in 1873. Among the exhibits of tremendous importance, there is an exceptional piece of heritage - the oldest piano in Southeastern Europe and one of the first in Central Europe. The whole project was thought taking into consideration the European Quality Principles for EU-funded Interventions with Potential Impact Upon Cultural Heritage, i.e. the quality principles while developing the project idea, the documentation of the whole rehabilitation process to be made public as part of the communication plan, means to preserve “the spirit of the place” and the involvement of the local community as final beneficiary in order to sustain the results of the project. For the time being, the building is in a rather bad condition, altering the quality of its architecture and limiting public access as well as impairing upon the available areas for young people interested in classical music (concert halls, study rooms, etc.). During 36 months, the project aims at restoring the beauty and the functions of a certified historical monument of national relevance, giving it back in its full splendor for both tourism and as a cultural hub. An important part of the project regards capacity building by development of skills for the project team in order to enable the proper implementation of the valorization plan of the historical monument turned into a significant cultural landmark of both Ploiesti County and the region.
Summary of project results
The project focused on the rehabilitation and restoration of the historical building once owned by the renowned musician Paul Constantinescu. Its goals included creating an improved version of the museum dedicated to his legacy, ensuring proper facilities for non-discriminatory access for people with disabilities, and establishing a suitable space for hosting cultural events. Paul Constantinescu, born in Ploiești, is regarded by musicologists as one of Romania''s greatest composers, second only to George Enescu. He drew inspiration from folklore and Byzantine church music and excelled across various classical music forms, including lieder, opera, ballet, and symphony.
The project involved the restoration and revitalization of a historical monument, transforming it into a significant cultural landmark for Ploiești County and the surrounding region. To ensure the effective implementation of the monument''s valorization plan, the project also focused on capacity building by enhancing the skills of 10 members of the management and implementation team. These efforts aimed to preserve the monument''s heritage while creating a space that contributes to the cultural enrichment of the community.
The project significantly impacted various groups, including locals and tourists who visit the museum for its unique architecture and its focus on music. By the end of the implementation, the museum experienced a 25% increase in its annual number of visitors, reaching 1,882 attendees. It also benefited students from art schools and lyceums, as well as university students, master''s and doctoral students, and teaching staff from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. These groups participated in events such as the annual Musical Interpretation and Creation Competition, auditions, concerts, and the annual spring event commemorating the composer’s birth. Additionally, the project provided on-the-job training for 10 professional staff members, enhancing their skills and expertise.
Summary of bilateral results
The project established a partnership with International Voice of Justice - Europe (Norway), an organization active in music education and event organization. The foreign partner contributed through active participation and involvement during the project, engaging in discussions and meetings, both online and in person, depending on the specific events.Key contributions from IVOJ included cultural-educational activities within the 2023 edition of the Paul Constantinescu International Festival. These included a concert-conference on Norwegian culture, a presentation of the Holocaust Memorial performance, piano and singing masterclasses, and knowledge-sharing sessions with the implementation team, representatives of the Romanian partner, and the staff of the Paul Constantinescu Memorial House Museum. These moments had a significant impact, offering valuable insights for organizing future events.The festival''s large attendance highlighted the Romanian public''s strong interest in Norwegian cultural values. Additionally, Martha Smith''s participation as a singing teacher during the masterclass with young soloists from the Music High School laid the foundation for a promising, extended collaboration in the future.