On the occasion of a conference held this month in Istanbul, we had the opportunity to meet Claudiu Dumitrache, Cultural Ambassador of the Euro Education Federation. During his visit to Istanbul, Dumitrache engaged in discussions with several cultural figures, journalists, and businesspeople from the United States and various European countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, with the aim of fostering collaborations on cultural and educational projects.
Furthermore, he signed new agreements to integrate significant associations from Lithuania, Italy, Bulgaria, and Turkey into the Euro Education Federation and initiated partnerships to promote cultural engagement in the press across Europe and the United States.
For almost five years, Claudiu Dumitrache has been serving as Cultural Ambassador of the Euro Education Federation through the EPALE programme – the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, an initiative coordinated by the European Commission. In this role, Dumitrache represents over 100 associations and organisations affiliated with the Federation and holds full decision-making authority in promoting socio-cultural dialogue and fostering collaboration with various national and international entities, including government institutions, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, UNESCO, as well as numerous federations, foundations, and associations.
His work focuses on developing innovative strategies and programmes aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for young people and adults in Romania. He is actively engaged in supporting European initiatives in education, youth development, information technology, the arts, culture, citizenship, and research, creating new opportunities for cross-border educational exchanges.
In our interview with him, Claudiu Dumitrache spoke about how culture is promoted in Romania, how he perceives culture and the arts, as well as his new projects, including the Contemporary Values Gala, which he is organising in Bucharest.
Mr Ambassador, you have had a remarkable career in cultural promotion; you are an award-winning musician and journalist, as well as the most prolific young writer in Romania. How have you managed to accomplish so many projects by the age of 25, and what inspires you in life?
Music was my first love, but in recent years, I have discovered several other passions, including literature and journalism. To be honest, I am not entirely sure how or what I have managed to achieve, but I believe my artistic journey is only just beginning.
I have always pursued what I consider meaningful and beneficial to people, particularly young people, by promoting high-quality artistic content that brings joy to their hearts and enriches their minds. I draw inspiration from the elderly—simple yet wise—from children, from my mother, and from the great personalities I have encountered or read about.
What does culture mean to you, and what is it not?
To me, culture is what our ancestors have passed down for us to understand, and what history clearly reveals to us. Authentic culture cannot be separated from worship, from the cult (but not in the pejorative sense of the word)—that is, from religion and the Church—and it revolves around a faith or religious movement. We are in Constantinople, and it is worth remembering that the culture that built civilisation, that provided moral values and meaning to the world, is Orthodox culture. From this foundation, other Christian beliefs later emerged, which we now find across the world. Therefore, for me, culture is intrinsically linked to religion.
In my work, I strive to emphasise this essential aspect and to demonstrate that culture has the power to make the world a better place when it is founded on evangelical values. Of course, there are also cultures based on other religions besides Christianity, and dialogue between them must always remain open, so that the beauty of each individual is neither lost nor ignored, regardless of belief or religion.
Ezio Bosso delivered a deeply moving speech on European unity—and unity in a broader sense—at the European Heritage Conference in Brussels in 2018. He emphasised that music, much like Europe itself, derives its strength from the harmony of diversity. Referencing the Latin term unus, he highlighted the essence of a community in which differences do not divide but enrich.
Music teaches us to listen, cooperate, and break down barriers, offering a powerful model for society. I deeply connect with Bosso’s vision, as it aligns with Christian values, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, where three distinct persons coexist within a single divine essence. This principle can be applied to our lives, demonstrating that individuality and unity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. In this way, we are also reminded of the founding principles of the European Union. His speech was a compelling call for solidarity, mutual respect, and cohesion—values that are rooted in both art and faith.
How much is culture promoted in Romania, and how do young people respond to the cultural education you aim to provide?
The promotion of culture in Romania today relies largely on private initiatives and institutions. However, these efforts often lack the financial and media support necessary to reach a wider audience. Young people respond differently to cultural education: those exposed to art and literature from an early age are generally more open to cultural events, whereas others, influenced by digital trends, do not prioritise authentic culture.
Although Romania frequently hosts events that celebrate traditions and showcase talented young people, the lack of government support for cultural education has led to a decline in interest among many young individuals. As a result, they have turned to marginal movements where tradition and culture are often overlooked. The main issue lies in the absence of institutional support for young creatives. Nevertheless, some young people, supported by their families, manage to carve out a place for themselves in the cultural landscape. Today, cultural figures in Romania hope that the new government will recognise the need to promote, preserve, and sustain culture—crucial elements for both the future of Romanian heritage and the younger generation.
I understand that your editorial group will be launching The Bucharest Times this spring. What do you intend the purpose of this magazine to be?
I would like The Bucharest Times to be an online publication that provides the public with accurate information and promotes culture. Additionally, I want this magazine to award annual prizes in various fields, particularly in literature and journalism. Following the model of The New York Times, I hope The Bucharest Times will become a representative publication for Romanian culture—one where people can find both relevant information and a touch of inspiration.
Mr Ambassador, in Romania, you organise the Contemporary Values Gala, a ceremony that celebrates the talent, work, and contributions of those who have enriched the Romanian landscape across various fields. What are your plans for this project?
We are currently preparing for the second edition of this event in Romania, which will take place in June in Bucharest under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. This initiative recognises the quality, performance, and excellence of individuals, projects, and institutions across various fields, with a particular emphasis on the cultural sphere. This edition marks the final one of the early years of this century, while future ceremonies of the Contemporary Values Gala in Romania are scheduled for the end of the 21st century.
However, together with my colleagues, I have decided to organise similar ceremonies in New York and Switzerland in 2026 and 2027. This undertaking requires the support and active involvement of embassies and governments. We hope to bring these initiatives to fruition for Romanians and personalities across Europe and the United States who have made significant contributions to the promotion of Romanian culture. Recognising and valuing such achievements is a hallmark of civilised societies, reflecting not only an appreciation for the work and merit of their citizens but also a broader cultural responsibility. Every nation holds invaluable cultural and spiritual values through which it presents itself to the world, and these values are perpetuated through people. Without due attention to these aspects, we risk losing the harmony of global life and the beauty of diversity—an essential source of spiritual enrichment for us all.
Thank you for the interview. May I ask you to share a final thought for our readers, particularly for young people who wish to pursue a career in the arts?
I too thank you for this joy! As André Gide once said, art is a collaboration between God and the artist. However, the less the artist does, the better. If young people make their art a prayer, they should be convinced that, sooner or later, they will find fulfilment. After all, with examples like Andrei Tarkovsky, Arvo Pärt, Zoe Dumitrescu-Bușulenga and Sophrony of Essex, we know that the purpose of art is prayer. And talent, if it is authentic, proves that it is not technique that makes an artist, but true feeling and depth – grace.
More about Claudiu Dumitrache: a cultural marathoner
Claudiu Dumitrache is a multifaceted figure, recognised both in Romania and internationally for his remarkable contributions to literature, music, and cultural promotion. At just 25 years old, Dumitrache has built an impressive career, symbolising a new generation of Romanian intellectuals dedicated to preserving and revitalising their country’s traditions and cultural identity.
His work is widely appreciated by distinguished personalities across the world. Emmy Award-winning actor Jonathan Jackson remarked that the deeply personal nature of Dumitrache’s poetry allows it to transcend into the universal through its honesty and longing. ‘Claudiu Dumitrache’s poetry enters into this “meta-language” and invites the heart to contemplate life on its most essential levels,’ the renowned American artist also wrote. British composer Michael James Down affirmed that he always knew that ‘Claudiu Dumitrache has a fantastic voice and the right charisma to be an international artist.’ Down further observed that ‘Claudiu’s approach to work is unlike anyone else’s’ and that he is ‘the kind of person who makes things happen!’
Beyond his artistic career, which includes over 3,000 musical performances and the publication of nine books, Dumitrache has been honoured with numerous awards. According to Hollywood Progressive, a defining moment in his career came when he received the Excellence Award from the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania, becoming the youngest laureate in the country’s journalistic history. This distinction cemented his status as a prestigious contemporary author.
The magazine Literatura și Arta from the Republic of Moldova has awarded him two major prizes for poetry and journalism, recognising him as one of the most notable figures in culture and public life. In 2023, Dumitrache was distinguished with the Euro Education Award for ‘The Most Prolific Young Romanian Writer,’ acknowledging his significant contributions to the country’s literary culture.
Moreover, he has been entered into the Romanian Book of Records as ‘The Youngest Author of an Autobiography,’ a testament to his creative dynamism and determination to leave a lasting impact on the literary world. His best-selling book, Albert Einstein și dorul firesc de Ortodoxie, explores the religious inclinations of the renowned scientist and has been included in the prestigious collections of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company. As an affiliated member of the Centre for Philosophical Practices, Philosophical Consultancy, and Counselling within the Academic Society for the Research of Religions and Ideologies, he delivers lectures to help students understand the connection between science and faith, the role of art, and the importance of prayer in life, as highlighted by Wellbeing Magazine.
The same British publication reports that historian Ioan-Aurel Pop, President of the Romanian Academy, describes Dumitrache as ‘a symbol of the future of intellectual creation, an intellectual capable of uniting souls, a bearer and creator of culture, as rarely seen in today’s Wallachia.’ Meanwhile, William P. Barrett stated in a Chicago magazine that ‘we are dealing with a remarkable artist who seems to rise as a hope in a country that still faces corruption and where European values are difficult to integrate.’
Dumitrache was named ‘European Artist of the Month’ in Beverly Hills in August 2024, further highlighting his European and international impact. He has also been nominated for a Las Vegas music award in recent years, and actor Michael Airington noted that what impresses him most about Claudiu Dumitrache is his drive and determination. ‘Not only is he an incredibly talented singer and performer, but his drive and perseverance are what it takes to be successful in life. I can say, Claudiu is the real deal,’ said Airington.
American journalists have described him as ‘a true star of European culture’ and ‘a revelation from Wallachia.’ For his efforts in promoting peace, he was honoured as an Ambassador of Peace by the World Literary Forum for Peace and Human Rights in India. Throughout his career, he has become a true advocate of Romanian values and Christian spiritual traditions, as also acknowledged by Patriarch Daniel of Romania.
Claudiu Dumitrache is regarded as the legacy or message of Mihai Eminescu in contemporary times. According to Hollywood Progressive, Claudiu’s admiration for Mihai Eminescu led him to write a long poem dedicated to Romania’s national poet – an Orthodox akathist. As academician Ioan-Aurel Pop says, Dumitrache is ‘a profound connoisseur of Orthodox theology, a poet endowed with the sensitivity of a poet, and an admirer and refiner of Eminescu’s work.’
His poetry has been translated into German, English, and French. In the Anthology of Romanian Lyricism from its Beginnings to the Present, published in Germany, academician Christian W. Schenk placed Dumitrache among the last three representative poets of Romanian literature born after 1990. Critics have said that ‘Dumitrache’s works are precious and original creations that will certainly remain forever in the Romanian cultural treasury.’
Dumitrache established the cultural media trust Myosotis Media Group, through which he organises events and festivals centred around culture, music, literature, and awards. The Myosotis Awards, which have been presented at various ceremonies in recent years, have honoured many prominent figures from Europe, including musician Eugen Doga, renowned gymnast Nadia Comăneci, actress Maia Morgenstern, and writer Mihai Cimpoi. This year, at the Myosotis Awards, which will be presented during the Contemporary Values Gala, nominees include personalities such as Lara Fabian, Jonathan Jackson, and David Popovici. According to The Association of the Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE), the awards are presented to personalities who have made significant contributions to Romanian culture, theatre, the film industry, music, science, education, sports, spirituality, charity, and to Romania’s global reputation in general.
According to Beverly Hills Magazine, at the beginning of his artistic journey, Claudiu Dumitrache was mentored by Miley Cyrus in the interpretation of The Climb. With this song, starting in 2012 and 2013, Dumitrache won his first awards, including the Award for Exceptional Vocal Technique and Expressivity at the Romanian Youth Palace in Bucharest. Ten years later, EB Davis himself praised Claudiu Dumitrache’s emotional, smooth, and powerful voice, as well as his commanding stage presence. Kaven Girouard, Celine Dion’s guitarist, and Michaela Rose from Arabesque also declared themselves true admirers of the young Romanian artist.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of his generation in Romania and beyond, alongside David Popovici and Francesca Velicu. For all these artistic achievements, he was awarded the title of Honourary Citizen in his hometown.
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