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.

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