„Echo of the Synagogues” is the latest initiative of Pantograf Association that brings to the forefront the stories and emotions surrounding the synagogues.
It consists of a series of 5 concerts that will take place in 5 cities in western Romania: Arad, Timișoara, Reșița, Caransebeș, and Lugoj. Bălănescu Quartet will perform a suite for string quartet and male voice alongside Emanuel Pusztai, the chief hazzan of the Jewish community of Romania.

The musical works are original pieces composed by Alexander Bălănescu, which find their inspiration in the Jewish rituals and the religious prayers that accompany the cycle of life. Alexander Bălănescu adds to these compositions a special personal note – his own experience as a Jew who had to leave Romania during communism.

The concerts take place as follows:
Monday, September 4, at 7 PM | Neolog Synagogue in Arad
Tuesday, September 5, at 7 PM | Cetate Synagogue in Timișoara
Wednesday, September 6 at 7PM | Reșița Synagogue
Thursday, September 7 at 5 PM | “Beit El” Synagogue in Caransebeș
Thursday, September 7 at 8 PM | Neolog Synagogue in Lugoj

Admission to the concerts is free, and no prior registration is required.

“The Echo of the Synagogues" project is co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. The project does not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.

The project is included in the European Days of Jewish Culture 2023 – annual theme “Memory” – coordinated at European level by AEJP (European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of the Jewish Culture and Heritage), and in Romania by Tarbut Foundation Sighet. Co-financed by the European Union.

Partners: The Jewish Communities of Timișoara, Arad, Reșița, Lugoj, West University Timișoara – Faculty of Music and Theatre, International Institute for Culture Krakow, Institut Français de Roumanie – Timișoara.
The project is part of the national cultural programme "Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023" and is funded through the Grow Timișoara 2023 programme, implemented by the Center for Projects Timișoara, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.