Mihai Răzvan Mugescu is a cultural event organizer and live music project manager involved in developing platforms and initiatives that promote Romania’s contemporary music scene. He is the Event Manager at ABY STAGE BAR in Râmnicu Vâlcea, a venue dedicated to concerts and music events held throughout the year.

He is the initiator and coordinator of the cultural phenomenon #BrezoiulLumii, as well as the Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi and the Live Music Summer Camp Brezoi project, the platform that brings together the major open-air live music festivals organized in Brezoi and that has transformed the town into a landmark destination for live music in Romania and Europe.

He is also the president of Asociația Constelații Rock, through which he coordinates, together with his team, the Constelații Rock festival-competition in Râmnicu Vâlcea, dedicated to discovering and supporting young bands, and the president of Asociația Mentor Rock, involved in cultural and educational music projects. Through these initiatives, Mihai Răzvan Mugescu contributes to the development of an active community around live music and to the creation of projects with cultural, artistic, and tourism impact.

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

Mihai: If I had to choose a few milestones, the first would be that I started building around live music even before there was “a plan.” I began with the simple idea that audiences deserve well-organized concerts and that there is a community looking for exactly this kind of experience — human, civilized, warm, without aggression, without “empty noise.”

A key moment was the transition from isolated concerts to recurring projects with a clear identity. Then came the emergence and growth of the events in Brezoi: from a challenge to a summer calendar that placed the town on the live music map. Another important moment was strengthening relationships with international artists and agencies — over time, through professionalism, consistency, and the way you respect your partners. And the most important common thread remains building a community: audiences that return, artists who want to come back, and a team that grows alongside the projects.

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

Mihai: Without a doubt, the hardest period was when the pandemic put not only events into question, but also people’s health, safety, and psychological balance. In moments like that, the dilemma is no longer “how do we make a bigger festival,” but rather “does it make sense to continue? how do we remain responsible and fair?”

We overcame it through adaptation and through a very pragmatic decision: not to remain stuck in complaints, but to find legal and safe ways for live music to continue. It was a period in which I learned a great deal about planning under uncertainty, communicating with audiences, protecting your team, and respecting your partners. And I realized how much community matters — people’s messages and support became real fuel.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Mihai: Yes, to build a place and a context where live music is experienced as something complete — not just “a concert,” but a space for connection, respect, joy, and implicit cultural education. I would like Romania to have more “islands” of normality built around music: educated audiences, civilized organization, artists treated fairly, and a community that feels safe.

My ambition is not only to bring big names, but to build a model that works, grows organically, and proves that it can be done — even in a small town — if you bring passion, discipline, and a lot of hard work.

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

Mihai: At the beginning, I was much more “reactive”: solving problems, running around, improvising, handling things as they came. Over time, I understood that cultural projects only grow in a healthy way if you have structure: calendars, budgets, negotiations, contracts, risk scenarios, backup plans, and coherent communication.

I transformed in the sense that I became more attentive to the mechanisms: how trust is built, how quality is maintained, how an event brand is protected, and how a team stays united during difficult times. And perhaps most importantly, I learned to be patient: good things are built over years, not through “viral moments.”

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Mihai: I think they would say that I am a committed person who puts both heart and order into things. That I care about details, atmosphere, and the quality of the experience for both audiences and artists. And that when problems arise — because they always do — I look for solutions, not for people to blame.

I would also like them to say that I am a connector: that I know how to bring different people together around the same idea, make them feel part of the project, and keep the direction clear even under pressure.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made, the one that changed your trajectory?

Mihai: The most important decision was accepting that Brezoi could become a true cultural destination and investing time, energy, and risk into that direction. At some point, it was no longer about “let’s create something beautiful,” but about building a project responsibly: planning a year in advance, managing large budgets, depending on dozens of external factors, and handling logistical and financial pressure.

It was the decision to move from enthusiasm to management and from an “event” to a “phenomenon.”

C&B: How did your involvement in Live Music Summer Camp Brezoi begin, and what attracted you to this project?

Mihai: Live Music Summer Camp Brezoi emerged as an umbrella framework for a series of events that grew over time. What attracted me was the rare combination of nature, community, and live music: mountains, river, freedom, and people coming together for the same passion.

For me, Brezoi became “a second home.” That is where I feel things make sense: you build an entire summer of experiences and watch the town change, people return, artists want to come back, and audiences mature.

C&B: What is the role of a Project Coordinator in an event that combines music education with the festival experience?

Mihai: My role is to make everything function like a living organism: people, time, budgets, logistics, stage, schedule, accommodation, transport, communication, partners, authorities, volunteers. In a project that also has an educational component, you are not coordinating just a “show,” but an entire journey: workshops, meetings, and contexts in which participants genuinely learn, not just “check a box.”

And there’s another thing: you have to protect the event’s energy. You cannot let it become stressful, overcrowded, or chaotic. A successful festival is one where people feel that everything flows naturally, even though behind it there are months of work.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Mihai: My day looks different depending on the season. During preparation periods, there is a lot of organization: phone calls, emails, negotiations, contracts, budgets, technical plans, and solving dozens of micro-problems. During events, there is a lot of on-site coordination and quick reaction.

The greatest satisfaction comes when I see that the artist leaves happy, the audience is happy, and the team feels they created something meaningful. And honestly, there are moments that cannot really be described: the exchange of energy between artist and audience, the applause that “lifts” the stage, the feeling that you created a place where people are kinder to each other.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them every day?

Mihai: Professionalism and respect. Respect for artists (conditions, communication, fairness), for audiences (safety, comfort, quality), and for the team (clarity, predictability, support). Consistency: not lowering standards just because “it works anyway.” And the idea of being a host: to be good hosts — people feel that, and it makes the difference.

Applying these principles is simple, but difficult: you plan ahead, you double-check, you do not promise what you cannot deliver, you fix things when you make mistakes, you learn, and then you start again, better than before.

C&B: How does Live Music Summer Camp Brezoi contribute to the development of young musicians in Romania?

Mihai: First of all, it offers them a real context. Not just a stage and applause, but direct contact with professionals, with standards, with the discipline of a major event: sound, scheduling, backstage, communication, responsibility.

Secondly, it gives them a community: they meet people who live for music, make friends, and gain confidence. And perhaps most importantly, it shows them that something beautiful can be built in Romania, without cynicism and without toxic compromises.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who follow your example, what would it be?

Mihai: Not to wait for the “perfect moment” or the “ideal support.” If you feel you can build something good, start with what you have, where you are, with the people who believe in you. In live culture, things are built over time: step by step, through work, patience, and a healthy stubbornness to do things properly.

And one more thing: respect your audience and your artists. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, but it is the foundation of any project that wants to last.

Through the projects developed in Brezoi and Râmnicu Vâlcea, Mihai Răzvan Mugescu contributes to strengthening a community built around live music and transforming cultural events into experiences with artistic, social, and tourism impact.

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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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Roxana Alexandru is a talent agent and co-founder of the Romanian Artists Agency (RAA), the artistic management agency founded in 2014.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, to spark the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?

Roxana Alexandru: Strong and ambitious, with a surprising shyness for those around me, and with a curiosity that has always driven me forward.

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

Roxana Alexandru: The most important moment was meeting my business partner, Ana Maria. I didn’t know then how much it would matter — I just felt it — but looking back, I found my professional balance.
We complement each other very naturally, and even though we often switch roles, we manage to maintain a constant balance in our decisions.

Another defining moment was the decision to enter the talent management field. Until then, I worked mainly in print and advertising, with customized projects tailored to clients’ needs. That change was a bold yet natural step; at the time, we were pioneers, being the first talent management agency. But it was the change that took us exactly where we needed to be.

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

Roxana Alexandru: There have been many moments I considered difficult when they came, but once they passed, I realized they are part of an entrepreneur’s path. I can’t name just one moment as the hardest, because I see them more as opportunities for growth, either personal or business-related.
Now I would say that limiting or challenging situations often push you to make better long-term decisions and to evolve. In my case, at the beginning, I took more risks and, together with Ana, tried things more out of curiosity, without elaborate plans or calculations. Later came planning, strategy, all the essential elements of a mature business.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Roxana Alexandru: Yes, personally, I’ve always had the desire to surpass myself, to build something meaningful, and to succeed in everything I set out to do.
In terms of our business, professionally, Ana and I share a dream that guides everything we do — but I choose to talk about that when the right time comes.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed until now?

Roxana Alexandru: At first, I was rather naïve about what being an entrepreneur meant. But I had — and still have — the same sincere desire to succeed and the same passion for everything I do. What changed is clarity: now I take the time to analyze, plan, and shape ideas until they become tangible. And I’m much more pragmatic, grounded in reality, and focused on concrete results.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Roxana Alexandru: I believe our team and partners would first say that I’m a good person and that I put a lot of heart into everything I do. For us, business relationships are not just about contracts and deliverables — they’re about people. And the people we work with have become part of a small family built on respect, trust, and mutual appreciation.

Both Ana and I are extremely dedicated and results-oriented. We keep our promises, we’re competitive, and we always look for winning solutions, especially when it comes to the artists we represent.
As for the team, I’ve always wanted people to work in an environment where they feel supported, valued, and excited about what they do.

In business relationships, I strongly believe in balance and reciprocity — I studied law in university, perhaps that’s why — when you give good, you receive good.

At the end of the day, whether we talk about colleagues or partners, we remain people — with common desires, fears, and joys. I always start from this belief. And I think that’s something others can easily see.

Of course, there’s also a flip side. I’m sure there are colleagues and partners who would say I can become too demanding — when things aren’t done correctly, on time, or don’t meet the expected quality. But even then, my goal remains the same: to find solutions that work for all parties involved, in the long term.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Roxana Alexandru: The most important decision was to develop the talent management agency as the main pillar of our business. Around it, the other divisions naturally took shape. Equally decisive was the choice to propose to Ana that we build this project together — a choice that changed everything.

C&B: How did you shape your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural process or a learned one?

Roxana Alexandru: For me, it was a natural process. I’ve always had certain abilities — intuition, determination, the capacity to read people, to recognize their talents, to identify their unique qualities and the environment where they can truly shine.
But I think the moment I became aware of them was essential. That’s when I began to use them intentionally, in the right direction, and realized how I could make decisions that were not only effective but also aligned with my ideas and aspirations.

C&B: What do you think sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?

Roxana Alexandru: What definitely sets us apart is our personality — mine and Ana’s — and the way we build relationships. We choose to work only with people we truly believe in, people we connect with and who share at least part of our personal values. We don’t follow recipes or trends just for the sake of them; we base everything on real connections, mutual respect, and trust.
I believe authenticity attracts authenticity — and that’s reflected in everything we do.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Roxana Alexandru: A typical office day means lots of phone calls, working together with my colleagues on ongoing projects, or team meetings where we analyze, debate, and adjust strategies for each artist individually.

My greatest satisfaction comes when I watch a show or a project — whether digital, radio, TV, in any medium — and I see our artists shining. When I know they are there because they’re excellent at what they do, performing exactly as we envisioned when we designed that direction or project.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?

Roxana Alexandru: I believe in authenticity, empathy, respect, and responsibility — they guide me in everything I do, professionally or personally.
I believe in the power of kindness — not as a form of weakness, but as a way to build healthy relationships and create space for collaboration, ideas, and growth.

Empathy helps me understand people beyond words and to respond with openness and balance, even in tense situations.

Respect for people, their work, and their time is a constant in the way I communicate and build relationships.

Responsibility means being present, owning my choices, and always pursuing the quality and impact of what I do.

And authenticity is essential to me — it’s my compass: I strive to remain true to my principles, to stay myself without losing or turning into someone I’m not, even when it might be easier to choose otherwise.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business and naming it come about?

Roxana Alexandru: The idea came naturally, because I was already doing this long before the agency existed. Coming from TV production, I was always in contact with artists and celebrities who asked for my support — either in contract negotiations or in representation in relation to different commercial partners.

Then came my meeting with Ana, my partner, and together we laid the foundation of a media products company. We designed customized commercial projects for brands, constantly integrating the presence of celebrities. All these steps naturally led us to the Romanian Artists Agency — an agency that represents talents and artists in their relationships with brands, TV stations, shows, or radio. We built this business step by step, from experience and from a deep understanding of the needs of both artists and the industry.

C&B: If you could send a message to people who want to follow your example, what would it be?

Roxana Alexandru: I would tell them to have the courage to discover themselves and to use their skills in a constructive way that brings them good. To believe in their ideas, follow them with perseverance, and always look for contexts where they can build — not only for others but also for themselves.
To collaborate, to connect genuinely with the people they want to work with, and not to be afraid to interact — the most beautiful things happen when we open up to one another. At least, that’s how it happened to me — that’s my personal experience.

Roxana Alexandru continues to inspire with her courage, professionalism, and vision. Through the Romanian Artists Agency, she transforms artists’ careers and builds relationships based on authenticity, respect, and collaboration.

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