Mezzo-soprano Liliana Neciu discovers a ‘cell of a perfect world’ in Caux

Liliana Neciu, mezzo-soprano at State Opera in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, has taken part in two Caux programmes in 2017. Since then she’s been talking about Caux to everybody, from close friends and family members to work colleagues and people she meets through her professional life. This summer, she is returning to give freely of her time, cheerful nature and wonderful talents. On Thursday 26, 2018, Liliana and her friend, pianist Oana Dinea, are offering a free concert during Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB).

The concert, “Classic sounds for piano & voice”, will take place in Caux Palce Conference and Seminar Centre, on 26th of July 2018, at 8:15 pm, in the Theatre Hall. The entry is free.

We asked Liliana what Caux means to her.

"Last year my sister was going to Caux for the sixth time. She convinced me to come to the Week of International Community so I could start to understand why she loves this place. I attended the programme with my two kids, and two weeks later I returned for Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business. These experiences connected me to what I call ‘the magic of Caux’.

For me, Caux was a series of memorable experiences: the beauty of Caux Palace and the amazing panoramic view over Lake Geneva, all the activities, meeting interesting people from other countries, the inspiring speakers and their amazing stories, the incredible joy of singing in the village church in the evening and many more ….

One striking lesson was the power of multiculturalism. I greatly value the deep connections I made. I still keep in touch with two amazing friends I made in Caux– one from Palestine and one from Nepal. These are countries far away from mine.  Every time we communicate helps me to understand their way of life and challenges better, and to notice the differences and similarities we share. This connection cancels the geographical distances. We discover how easily we can transcend the cultural differences and connect at the deeper, human level.

There were several stories I heard in Caux that impressed me and one went directly to my heart. It was about the power of listening and it made me realize that we have the answers to our problems inside us. At times we just need someone to listen to us, so we can find the answers for ourselves, deep within.

Caux helped me have more confidence in myself and trust my inner power. I learned to take my ‘quiet time’, when I reflect and search to understand what is truly important. I also started to listen more to others and to put myself in their position.

Another special moment was one evening in the Caux church, during the singing-prayer time. Looking around, I realized that in the same place, singing together peacefully, were people belonging to different religious faiths and denominations. I – an Orthodox woman – was sitting next to a Buddhist man. In front of us there was a Catholic; behind, a Protestant; and not far away, a Muslim …. There was something magical and special about it.

After Caux I decided to get more involved in volunteering in my community. I also decided to involve my kids more in such activities, so that they can learn the joy of service and helping others.

Since last year, I have spoken to many people about Caux. As a result a good friend of mine will join me this year at the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme (CPLP). I am returning to explore more and support the changes I felt growing within me last year. And I am very happy I can contribute to AEUB by offering my professional skills with an evening Concert, together with my dear friend, Oana Dinea, a wonderful piano player. For me Caux was like a cell of a perfect world – a place of acceptance and dialogue."

 
About the musicians

Liliana Neciu| Romania

Mezzo-soprano Liliana Neciu was born in Baia Mare, Romania, in 1977. She graduated the Arts School of her native town where she studied canto and continued her studies at the Music Academy in Cluj Napoca, Romania, at prof. Ana Rusu’s canto class. Since 2008 Liliana is one of the soloists of National Opera of Cluj Napoca. Over the years, she has collaborated with various musical institutions in Romania, like the National Opera in Bucharest, National Opera in Timisoara, Filarmonica Arad, Filarmonica Cluj Napoca, etc. Liliana Neciu has been part of numerous tours, singing in major European cities.

Oana Dinea | Romania

Oana Dinea is a Romanian pianist currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, where she is pursuing her career as e concert pianist and teacher at the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique de Genève.  She is inspired by the human condition and seeks to convey meaning to her audience and students through her service.   She started playing piano at the age of seven in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where she quickly understood that music would always be a part of her life.  After she finished her studies in Romania, she was admitted for a Bachelor Degree in Geneva with Elisabeth Athanassova.   She continued her studies with a Master specialized in Concerts and the second one, in Pedagogy, both with Dominique Weber at the Haute Ecole de Musique de Geneve.  During this period Oana was rewarded with several scholarships. She also had the opportunity to learn from great artists like Leon Fleisher, Robert McDonald, Julian Martin and others.   She initiates the group ''Pianistes en Scene pour une Cause Humaine'' in 2016: four Romanian pianists that play together for a human cause.   Inspired to share her art, to approach and to understand better the audience, Oana started a non-conventional type of concerts: mixing different type of arts but also activities and passions of life as coffee, yoga, food with the music of the great composers. Her purpose is to give life to the classical music and to break the distance that some conventions put between the artist and the audience.  She believes that Art must be Life. It must Belong to Everybody!