Paul Luculescu is a percussionist who knew from childhood that music was his calling. Fascinated by the concerts he watched on television, he dreamed of the world’s great stages, without realizing at the time how naturally that path would eventually unfold.

He began studying music at the “Dinu Lipatti” Music High School in Bucharest, initially focusing on piano, since percussion studies only began in the fifth grade. Later, he followed his true calling, dedicating himself to percussion with discipline and perseverance. He graduated from the National University of Music Bucharest and continued with master’s studies.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the George Enescu Philharmonic, the Romanian Radio National Orchestra, and the Radio Chamber Orchestra. Since 2007, he has been a member of the Pitești Philharmonic, and since 2016, a permanent collaborator with the Comic Opera for Children.

He has performed alongside major international artists such as Plácido Domingo, Jonas Kaufmann, Angela Gheorghiu, Yuja Wang, and José Carreras.

In addition to his artistic activity, he is also a cultural manager, organizing festivals and coordinating his own private orchestra. He is an active and highly appreciated presence on stages across Romania.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Paul Luculescu: The decisive moment was when I started studying percussion in the fifth grade. From then on, everything evolved naturally and steadily toward performance excellence. At 16, I had my first collaboration with a professional orchestra — that was when I truly understood the responsibility and energy of a major stage. By 21, I was already employed at the Pitești Philharmonic. It was a gradual process, without shortcuts.

C&B: What was the most difficult moment in your journey, and how did you overcome it?

Paul Luculescu: The pandemic period, overlapping with the loss of my mother. She was the first person who believed in me and supported me unconditionally. I don’t know if moments like these are ever truly “overcome.” I think you accept them and learn to live with them. Music was a quiet but profound support.

C&B: Was there a dream or ambition that always guided you?

Paul Luculescu: I viewed performance differently. Many people dream about the great stages; I focused on individual study. Concerts came as a natural consequence of daily work. Music is honest: it gives you exactly as much as you give to it.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed?

Paul Luculescu: At the beginning, I was disoriented, as anyone naturally is. I couldn’t fully grasp the entire process. The transformation came through perseverance, discipline, and the belief that this was my path.

C&B: What would your collaborators say about you?

Paul Luculescu: They would probably say that I am a perfectionist and demanding, first of all with myself. I want things to be done thoroughly, and I build teams, not just collaborations. I aim high, but I remain open to dialogue.

C&B: What was the most important decision that changed your trajectory?

Paul Luculescu: Understanding that talent is not enough. Daily work, patience, and constant practice are the only “magic formulas.”

C&B: What made you pursue classical music?

Paul Luculescu: The desire to perform percussion at the highest level. The institutions I became part of are consequences of study and determination, not obsessively fixed goals. I try to give my absolute best regardless of the stage I perform on or the orchestra I play with during a concert.

C&B: What challenges does the role of principal timpanist involve?

Paul Luculescu: The responsibility for sonic balance and absolute precision. The timpanist supports both the rhythmic architecture and the foundation of the entire orchestra; it is an extremely important role, rhythmically as well as musically.

C&B: What does an ordinary day look like for you?

Paul Luculescu: Study, rehearsals, concerts. Multiple projects. When time allows, I dance salsa and travel. I enjoy creating memories and spending quality time.

C&B: What values guide you?

Paul Luculescu: Honesty with yourself. Being aware of where you are and the direction you want to go. Doing good whenever you can, and if not, at least not doing harm. And remaining grateful for what you have.

C&B: How do you prepare for an important concert?

Paul Luculescu: Through rigorous daily study. Rehearsals with the orchestra come only after confirming the work you have already done on your own, by learning all the material that will be performed in that concert.

C&B: What was the most difficult concert?

Paul Luculescu: Every concert has its own challenge. The important thing is to remain focused; music is born every single time it is played — it is born from the present moment.

Through discipline, perseverance, and a genuine passion for music, Paul Luculescu continues to inspire through every stage performance and cultural project. His journey reflects the dedication required for excellence in classical music and the importance of consistent work in building a strong artistic career.

The post Paul Luculescu, percussionist and cultural manager – on classical music, performance, and major stages appeared first on careers-business.com.

Andreea Zorilă (stage name AMADEEA) – violinist, aspiring entrepreneur, freelancer, and mother of two wonderful daughters aged 7 and 2.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to make those who don’t know you curious?
Andreea Zorilă: I am a magnet that attracts through attitude, stage presence, and contagious energy.

C&B: If we were to follow the storyline of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Andreea Zorilă: My business is divided into two branches, similar yet distinct. The first is my career as a freelance musician, started in 2010 (after many years of studying music), and the second is the “ROCKSTAR Academy by Amadeea” – founded in 2022.
I can say my path was filled with many challenges, achievements, and also minor or moderate failures that all led me to what I do and who I am today.
From a music university graduate raised with sheet music in front of me, I learned to let go of it and make room for freedom of artistic expression, on stage and beyond.
All the experiences I had in the 20 countries where I’ve performed so far made me feel a supreme freedom on stage, that INVINCIBLE WOMAN and ROCKSTAR feeling.
That’s how the smaller business was born, ROCKSTAR ACADEMY – from the desire to pass on the experience I gained during my years of study and touring.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far in your journey and how did you overcome it?
Andreea Zorilă: Honestly, I can’t recall a specific moment when I felt like “I can’t take it anymore” or wanted to give up. There were many challenging, hard, and stressful moments… but somehow, I’ve always felt a higher force that helped me stay afloat, confident that everything happens for a reason, and that “every cloud has a silver lining.”

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, no matter the obstacles?
Andreea Zorilă: I believe my ambition has always been driven subconsciously by a phrase my mother told me when I was little: “There’s no such thing as ‘I can’t,’ only ‘I don’t want to!’”
So every time something seems too difficult, I remember her words, and they reset me completely, giving me strength and confidence.
Also, I’ve always wanted to be better today than I was yesterday. I never compared myself to others – not to other businesses, artists, or women. I always compare myself to the version I was yesterday, or last year. I want to evolve constantly and improve, striving for what we all aim for – to become the best version of ourselves.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Andreea Zorilă: Oh, that’s a good one! I’ll place the “start” in 2010, even though my path began much earlier.
In 2010, I stepped on stage alone for the first time – no orchestra, no sheet music, no conductor – just me, the violin, emotions enough for all 1000 people in front of the stage, and a bold outfit that didn’t represent me at the time, but which I chose because it represented the woman I wanted to become. And that’s who I am today.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they’d say about you?
Andreea Zorilă: That I’m cool and funny, I think And that I inspire them (I’ve been told that already – I just hope it’s true for as many people as possible).

C&B: What’s the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Andreea Zorilă: Listening to my instincts, accepting fear and emotions as normal, and opening ROCKSTAR ACADEMY.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it a natural or learned process?
Andreea Zorilă: I’ve read a bit, but honestly, I don’t think you can learn this from books. It comes from your upbringing, your life experience, and your own personality.
It comes naturally to me, and I think I’m a cool and relaxed leader.

C&B: What do you think sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Andreea Zorilă: ATTITUDE. It’s the key word that defines me on stage and sets me apart from the competition. It’s also the concept I’ve brought into the academy – a school of arts with Rockstar Attitude.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Andreea Zorilă: Since becoming a mom, my schedule has changed a lot. It’s packed with everything, but it’s fun and entertaining.
I take the girls to school & kindergarten, then start my workday at the Academy, handling everything from management, social media, marketing, event planning, class and student coordination – even cleaning – all while organizing playlists or practicing for the music project I have with my husband, saxophonist Veran Zorilă.
For 3 years now, we’ve had the DUO Amadeea & Veran – LIVE SHOW project, which we perform at various public and private events, and it brings us immense joy and fulfillment.
In the afternoon, I pick up my daughters and return to my mom life. I think it’s the perfect balance. Hard to manage, but beautiful and rewarding!

C&B: What values or principles guide your actions and how do you apply them daily?
Andreea Zorilă: Put passion into everything you do.
Believe in yourself and in your potential.
Be patient with yourself and the process – satisfaction and results will come in due time.

C&B: How did the idea of starting your business and choosing this name come to you?
Andreea Zorilă: A few years ago, I was on tour in Croatia, and repeatedly people came up to me after performances saying: “WOW, this was crazy! You’re not just a violin player, You’re a ROCKSTAR!!”
That gave me a huge confidence boost, and I actually started feeling that way on stage – which obviously contributed a lot to my self-belief.
What else could my music school be called, if not ROCKSTAR ACADEMY?

C&B: If you were to send a message to those who follow your example, what would it be?
Andreea Zorilă: Work on your self-confidence. Everything starts from there. That’s where success begins – that’s the direction for anything you want to achieve or become in life.

Andreea Zorilă, known as AMADEEA, is living proof that passion, courage, and balance can create an authentic and inspirational path—on stage and in life.

The post AMADEEA – The Story of an Artist Building Harmony in Life and Career appeared first on careers-business.com.