International House of Artists Bușteni
Founded in 2020, the Association aims to offer an exceptional artist residency in Romania for artists seeking a space for reflection, collaboration and personal development.
About
Founded in 2020, the Association aims to strengthen and promote cultural connections between artists in Romania and around the world, transforming Bușteni into a vibrant place of dialogue, inspiration and creativity.Through its activities, the Association promotes international cultural exchange and strengthens Romania’s image as a dynamic centre of European artistic dialogue.In support of these aims, the Bușteni International House of Artists draws on an outstanding network of cultural contacts built over more than two decades of international activity. It welcomes journalists, artists and cultural professionals, offering them an authentic insight into Romania’s artistic potential.At its heart, the Bușteni International House of Artists is a bridge between worlds — a place where art, nature and friendship come together in a spirit of inspiration and grace.
The Founders
The International House of Artists Bușteni is an initiative of violinist Iuliana Münch Geambașu and pianist and composer André Parfenov, who have been performing together for nearly 15 years as the chamber music ensemble Parfenov Duo.Website Parfenov DuoThe House offers artists — particularly those working in classical music — the opportunity to work and create together in a setting specially designed for the exchange of ideas, intensive study and lasting collaboration.
Location
The ten guest rooms combine comfort and tranquillity, inviting rest, relaxation and quiet contemplation — a true retreat for musicians and music lovers.The music rooms are equipped with concert grand pianos available to resident musicians, while specially designed spaces provide ideal conditions for individual practice, rehearsals and artistic work.Artists may work individually or in chamber music ensembles, with the opportunity to explore and refine concert programmes in an atmosphere of concentration, inspiration and friendship through art.
Surroundings
Situated at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, in the heart of the Carpathians, Bușteni is one of Romania’s most beautiful places — a setting where nature and the spirit meet in harmony.The pure mountain air, spectacular scenery and profound tranquillity create an ideal environment for inspiration and reflection.From here, visitors can enjoy impressive views of the Heroes’ Cross on Caraiman Peak, while numerous hiking paths and mountain trails begin close to the House.Bușteni is a place where art, nature and inner balance come together naturally, giving artists the energy to create and reconnect with themselves.
Impressions
Exterior views of the house and the surrounding area
The interior and atmosphere of the Artists’ House
Impressions from the courses
PROJECTS
"Paths to Mastery"
.... … is the Association’s current project, launched in 2024.
"International Music Residencies"
„International Music Residencies“ was the Association’s first project and took place in two editions between 2023 and 2024.
Course Impressions
An inspiring atmosphere and complete focus
"Paths to Mastery"
„Paths to Mastery“ offers young musicians the opportunity to transform their talent into a vocation and an artistic path. The project is a unique mentoring programme for young Romanian musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Over a period of two years, more than 40 students study with renowned international professors during masterclasses held in Bușteni and in other regions of Romania.The project comprises twelve masterclasses: six intensive ten-day sessions at the House of Artists in Bușteni, and a further six sessions held in different regions of the country — particularly in areas with limited access to cultural life. During these visits, the project’s professors work directly with students at regional music schools and high schools.Each intensive course concludes with two public concerts in which the young artists perform alongside their mentors at prestigious cultural venues such as the Goethe-Institut in Bucharest and the Multicultural Centre of Transilvania University.Paths to Mastery is more than an educational programme — it is a bridge between potential and fulfilment, offering young Romanian musicians a genuine opportunity to study with internationally renowned professors, to grow within an artistic environment that is both demanding and supportive, and to transform their talent into a vocation and an artistic path.
Workshops
„Paths to Mastery” in Sebeș and Sibiu
On 16 and 17 February 2026, the Paths to Mastery project visited Sebeș and Sibiu, where 40 students from local music schools took part in sessions led by mentors Iuliana Münch-Geambașu and André Parfenov.Seventeen students performed in Sebeș and eight in Sibiu. Following the selection process, eight young musicians were admitted to the mentoring programme: five from Sebeș — four pianists and one cellist — and three from Sibiu, studying flute, violin and piano.A particularly memorable moment was provided by Antonia, aged 14, and Mihai, aged 15, both participants in the previous edition. They gave a short recital and spoke about their experience of the intensive programme in Bușteni.The working atmosphere was focused and full of enthusiasm, while the teachers in attendance suggested organising workshops specifically for instrumental teachers from across the country.
Antonia (piano, aged 14) shared her experience of the Paths to Mastery mentoring project with the audience.
2026 intensive courses – "Paths to Mastery"
The intensive courses held at the House of Artists in Bușteni as part of the Paths to Mastery mentoring project will continue in the programme’s second year.The first module will take place from 28 February to 8 March, with the legendary pianist and teacher Vadim Monastyrski as guest of honour. He is renowned for his artistic and pedagogical work on prestigious international stages.The second course will be held from 22 to 28 August, in collaboration with the Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland. The guest professor will be pianist Prof. Carl Wolf, a former student of the legendary pianist Krystian Zimerman.The third module will take place from 21 to 28 September, in partnership with the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. Finnish pianist Henri Sigfridsson will lead the piano classes within the mentoring programme.
"International Music Residencies"
International Music Residencies took place at the House of Artists in two editions:
22 June–30 July 2023
11–17 September 2023The initiative brought together young musicians from Romania and Germany, who worked under the guidance of distinguished artists and university professors. These included violinists Ute Hasenauer and Benjamin Ramirez from the Cologne University of Music and Dance, cellist Andrei Ioniță, pianist Dietmar Nawrot from the University of Music and Theatre “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” Leipzig, and the chamber music ensemble Parfenov Duo.The aim of the project was to prepare young musicians for international competitions and to foster lasting professional collaborations between artists from different countries, in an environment of excellence, inspiration and friendship through music.
From vision to reality:
The first International Music Residency at the House of Artists in Bușteni!
23–30 June 2023
The first edition of the Bușteni International Music Residencies focused on the violin as the principal instrument, as well as on chamber music with piano. The residency was organised in collaboration with Pre-College Cologne, an institute of the Cologne University of Music and Dance, and the “Dinu Lipatti” Music High School in Bucharest.The professors teaching in Bușteni were internationally renowned violinist Prof. Ute Hasenauer and violinist Benjamin Ramirez, an expert in violin methodology and pedagogy, both from the Cologne University of Music and Dance. They taught and mentored the young musicians in both individual lessons and chamber music ensembles.In addition, all participating students had the opportunity to gain an insight into composition and improvisation through classes led by pianist and composer André Parfenov from the University of Music and Theatre “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” Leipzig.Another special feature of the residency was the participation of violinist Prof. Konstanze Beyer from the University of Music and Theatre “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” Leipzig. She introduced the students to the fascinating world of Baroque music. As a Baroque violinist and specialist in Baroque music, she offered them valuable insights into this distinctive musical tradition.The first edition of the International Music Residency concluded with a public concert on 28 June 2023. Organised in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Bucharest, the concert took place at the Multicultural Centre of Transilvania University in Brașov.
The second International Music Residency at the House of Artists in Bușteni!
11–17 September 2023
The second edition of the Bușteni International Music Residency was dedicated to chamber music for violin and piano. The musical direction was entrusted to the acclaimed Parfenov Duo, one of Germany’s most distinguished chamber music ensembles, formed by violinist Iuliana Münch and pianist and composer André Parfenov.For young instrumentalists, chamber music is often a new field of experience. At this stage in their lives and musical development, young performers are generally focused on solo performance. The opportunity to explore a work in direct collaboration with its composer was an entirely new experience for them.The closing concert of the residency took place at the Multicultural Centre of Transilvania University in Brașov on Sunday, 17 September 2023, at 5 p.m. The Parfenov Duo performed alongside the young soloists.
Partners and Sponsors
The support of our partners and sponsors ensures the continuity of our projects. We are deeply grateful to them for helping us bring our vision to life!
Our partners:
Our sponsors:
Main sponsor of the "Paths to Mastery" project:
Thank you for supporting the “International Music Residencies” project, 2023/2024:
