– Alexandru Ilie (in an interview with Bucurestii Vechi si Noi)
Alexandru Ilie is a dynamic and versatile Romanian conductor recognized for his clear technique and expressive musicality. He currently serves as a permanent conductor at both the “Ion Dacian” National Operetta and Musical Theatre and the Comic Opera for Children in Bucharest.
A frequent guest conductor, Alexandru Ilie collaborates regularly with major Romanian philharmonic orchestras (including those in Cluj, Timișoara, Iași, Pitești, Ploiești, Craiova, Oradea, Arad, and Botoșani) and national ensembles like the Romanian Youth Orchestra and Bucharest Symphony Orchestra. His international engagements include a significant tour across China with the Pitești Philharmonic in 2024.
Known for his vast repertoire spanning baroque to contemporary music, opera, operetta, musicals, symphonic works, and film scores, Alexandru Ilie is also the founder of the innovative VIBE Orchestra, which specializes in pop-symphonic fusion projects, connecting classical music with broader audiences. He is an award-winning conductor, lauded for bringing energy and precision to the podium.
At the helm of Gérard Presgurvic’s world-famous musical, Roméo & Juliette, Alexandru Ilie brought a surge of dynamic energy to the stage of the Teatrul Național de Operetă și Musical “Ion Dacian”. His conducting infused the beloved score with both power and nuance, guiding the orchestra and cast through the passionate ballads and explosive ensemble numbers in a testament to his versatility.
“This isn’t just a show; it’s raw, youthful passion set to music. Our goal is to make the audience feel every heartbeat of the greatest love story ever told.”
To conduct during the George Enescu International Festival is one of the highest honors for a Romanian musician. In the 2023 edition, Alexandru Ilie led the Arad Philharmonic in a sold-out concert that became a highlight of the festival’s national series. The demanding program was met with incredible precision and artistry, celebrating Romania’s greatest cultural event.
“The Enescu Festival is sacred ground. To bring this music to the passionate audience in Arad, to feel that unique energy, is a profound experience. You’re not just conducting notes; you’re participating in a legacy.”
In a monumental undertaking, Alexandru Ilie made his conducting debut in China, leading the Pitești Philharmonic in a grand tour of 27 concerts from July to August 2024. This ambitious project took the orchestra across the country, performing in some of China’s most prestigious halls, joined by acclaimed soloists soprano Nicoleta Maier and baritone Mihail Dogotari.
The program was a brilliant showcase of European and Romanian masterpieces, featuring works by Dvořák and Strauss, George Enescu’s iconic Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, and even a rendition of the beloved Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flower” (Mo Li Hua), which was met with tremendous warmth and applause.
“A marathon of musical brilliance. Night after night, Ilie’s vibrant direction drew standing ovations, proving that the language of classical music truly knows no borders.”
In a landmark event of the 2024 season, Alexandru Ilie stood on the podium to conduct the Orchestra of the National Theatre of Operetta and Musical “Ion Dacian” for an extraordinary gala concert. The evening was headlined by the legendary international soprano, Inva Mula, and featured a brilliant lineup of soloists including Ionela Mani, Gjergji Mani, and special guest Daniel Magdal.
“A magnificent evening where the orchestra, under Alexandu’s confident and sensitive direction, provided the perfect canvas for the spectacular voices on stage. The dialogue between the conductor and the soloists was a masterclass in collaboration.”
In March 2025, Alexandru Ilie took on a unique artistic challenge, collaborating with Romanian rock superstar Ștefan Bănică for his sold-out “Te iubesc, femeie!” tour. Conducting the Botoșani Philharmonic, Alexandru masterfully fused the worlds of acoustic rock and classical music, reimagining some of Romania’s most famous anthems with the full power and color of a live orchestra.
“A sold-out arena, a rock icon, and a full symphony orchestra. Alexandru masterfully bridged two worlds, creating a powerful and surprisingly intimate musical experience. The orchestral arrangements were lush, the energy was electric.”
