ROMANIAN ROMANIAN SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFUL

CAREERSCAREERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. THE KEY TO SUCCESS

MOTIVATION - a MOTIVATION - a successful successful

career depends career depends on how much on how much

work you can do work you can do and how efficient and how efficient you can be while you can be while doing it. To know doing it. To know what motivates what motivates you, you have to you, you have to understand what understand what things you find things you find rewarding or rewarding or

inspiring. inspiring.

HARD WORK AND DEDICATION HARD WORK AND DEDICATION - you must understand that - you must understand that

failure and success go hand in failure and success go hand in hand, so don’t be afraid of hand, so don’t be afraid of them. You also need to be them. You also need to be dedicated. Dedication is dedicated. Dedication is

necessary to be successful. necessary to be successful.

ENJOYING SUCCESS - no ENJOYING SUCCESS - no matter how small or how matter how small or how insignificant it may seem. insignificant it may seem. Celebrating and enjoying Celebrating and enjoying these little events is very these little events is very

important. Small victories are important. Small victories are like learning something new like learning something new and getting a good review. and getting a good review.

PURSUE YOUR DREAMS - PURSUE YOUR DREAMS - This is the most important This is the most important thing that you can do for thing that you can do for

yourself. You have to work yourself. You have to work hard and be dedicated to hard and be dedicated to your dream career and your dream career and

you'll climb the corporate you'll climb the corporate ladder. Nothing makes you ladder. Nothing makes you

move faster in the move faster in the direction than your direction than your

dreams. dreams.

UNCOVER YOUR PASSION - UNCOVER YOUR PASSION - you have to understand, you have to understand,

discover and uncover what discover and uncover what your passions are. Your your passions are. Your

passion could be passion could be basketball, building bikes basketball, building bikes or racing them. Turn your or racing them. Turn your

passion into a career. passion into a career. Whatever your passion Whatever your passion may be, you can turn it may be, you can turn it

into reality. into reality.

II. BUSINESS MEN

Dinu Patriciu holds a master's degree from

the Bucharest Institute of Architecture and has served as a professor there since 1975. He has received a number of architectural

design awards in Romania and abroad. He has an

extensive background in the real estate industry, having completed more than forty

housing and commercial projects in Romania and

more than 25 luxury residential complexes, offices and hotels in the United Arab

Emirates.

DINU PATRICIU

Dinu Patriciu is Chairman Dinu Patriciu is Chairman and CEO of and CEO of

The Rompetrol Group, NV The Rompetrol Group, NV (TRG), a multinational (TRG), a multinational petroleum company petroleum company

headquartered in headquartered in the Netherlands, operating the Netherlands, operating in 13 countries, and with in 13 countries, and with the majority of its assets the majority of its assets

and income located and income located in Romania, France and Soin Romania, France and So

uth Eastern Europe. uth Eastern Europe. Formerly, he acted as Formerly, he acted as

Chairman of the Chairman of the Investment Committee of Investment Committee of the Romania and Moldova the Romania and Moldova

Direct Fund, LP, an Direct Fund, LP, an American-managed private American-managed private

equity investment fund equity investment fund established in 1998 whose established in 1998 whose

investors include investors include the International Finance the International Finance

Corporation and the Corporation and the German Government-German Government-

owned DEG.owned DEG.

Patriciu led Rompetrol from a state-Patriciu led Rompetrol from a state-owned Romanian oil services owned Romanian oil services

company into one of the top 25 oil company into one of the top 25 oil operators in the European Union, operators in the European Union, principally through a program of principally through a program of strategic acquisitions and organic strategic acquisitions and organic

growth. This program started with growth. This program started with the purchase of the Vega refinery the purchase of the Vega refinery (1999), continued with Petros SA (1999), continued with Petros SA

(2000) and the purchase of a (2000) and the purchase of a majority stake in Petromidia SA majority stake in Petromidia SA

(2001), owner of the most modern (2001), owner of the most modern refinery and petrochemical complex refinery and petrochemical complex

in Romania. Subsequently, TRG in Romania. Subsequently, TRG embarked on an international embarked on an international

expansion program in the Balkan expansion program in the Balkan region, in region, in

Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, as Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, as well as acquiring Dyneff Group SA well as acquiring Dyneff Group SA of France, the largest independent of France, the largest independent

distributor of oil products in France, distributor of oil products in France, at the end of 2005. at the end of 2005.

Patriciu owns the Romanian daily "Adevărul". As Patriciu owns the Romanian daily "Adevărul". As of August 2008, he was also in the process of of August 2008, he was also in the process of buying the Ukrainian tabloid Blik from Ringier.buying the Ukrainian tabloid Blik from Ringier.

Dinu Patriciu is also the founder and chairman Dinu Patriciu is also the founder and chairman of the Dinu Patriciu Foundation, a non-of the Dinu Patriciu Foundation, a non-

governmental organisation which aims at governmental organisation which aims at offering financial support to talented young offering financial support to talented young people who are not in the position to further people who are not in the position to further

sustain their studies.sustain their studies.

Between 1990 and 1996, and again from Between 1990 and 1996, and again from 2000 to 2003, Patriciu has served as a 2000 to 2003, Patriciu has served as a Member of the Romanian Parliament, Member of the Romanian Parliament, being a leader of the being a leader of the National Liberal National Liberal

PartyParty’s parliamentary group. ’s parliamentary group.    A prominent liberal figure, Patriciu A prominent liberal figure, Patriciu

withdrew in 2003 from the Parliament withdrew in 2003 from the Parliament and from active political life to and from active political life to

concentrate on his business ventures.  concentrate on his business ventures.   Patriciu also serves as the Chairman of Patriciu also serves as the Chairman of

the Alliance of Romanian Employers’ the Alliance of Romanian Employers’ Confederations, the Romanian member Confederations, the Romanian member

of UNICE, the Confederation of of UNICE, the Confederation of European Business. In addition to TRG, European Business. In addition to TRG,

he is a shareholder in several entities he is a shareholder in several entities including a building & real estate including a building & real estate

company and a media holding.company and a media holding.

FORBES MAGAZINE The World's BillionairesThe World's Billionaires

#397 #397 Dinu PatriciuDinu Patriciu 03.11.09, 06:00 PM EST03.11.09, 06:00 PM EST

Net Worth:Net Worth: $1.8 bil$1.8 bil Fortune:Fortune: self made self made Source:Source: refineries refineries 

Age:Age: 58 58 Country Of Citizenship:Country Of Citizenship: Romania Romania 

Industry:Industry: Oil Oil Education:Education: NA NA 

Onetime architect led investor Onetime architect led investor buyout of previously state-owned buyout of previously state-owned oil company, Rompetrol, in 1998; oil company, Rompetrol, in 1998; took over as chief executive in took over as chief executive in 2001. Via acquisitions built the 2001. Via acquisitions built the

company into a $4.6 billion company into a $4.6 billion (sales) multinational refiner. In (sales) multinational refiner. In 2007 sold 75% of the group to 2007 sold 75% of the group to

Kazakhstan's state-owned energy Kazakhstan's state-owned energy operator, KazMunaiGaz; remains operator, KazMunaiGaz; remains

at the helm. Investing in real at the helm. Investing in real estate; in January bought Fabian estate; in January bought Fabian Romania, a U.K.-listed property Romania, a U.K.-listed property

fund via his Black Sea Global fund via his Black Sea Global Properties. Properties.

ION ȚIRIAC

He was born on 9 May 1939 in He was born on 9 May 1939 in BraBraşşov, Romania. He is a ov, Romania. He is a

Romanian former tennis player, Romanian former tennis player, businessman and the first businessman and the first

Romania's billionaire. He has 2 Romania's billionaire. He has 2 children. He speaks fluently children. He speaks fluently

English, French, Italian, German English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.and Spanish.

At 13 years old he was employed At 13 years old he was employed in a lorry factory in order to in a lorry factory in order to

survive in that time and to have survive in that time and to have his own money. He attended the his own money. He attended the

Physics Culture Institute in Physics Culture Institute in Bucharest and received the Order Bucharest and received the Order

of Work class I.of Work class I.

Ion Ţiriac first appeared on the international sports Ion Ţiriac first appeared on the international sports scene as an ice hockey player on the Romanian scene as an ice hockey player on the Romanian

national team at the 1964 Winter Olympics. Shortly national team at the 1964 Winter Olympics. Shortly after that he switched to tennis as his main sport.after that he switched to tennis as his main sport. In 1970, he won with Ilie Nastase the men’s In 1970, he won with Ilie Nastase the men’s doubles at the Roland Garros tournament. After doubles at the Roland Garros tournament. After that he was a coach, manager and promoter. In that he was a coach, manager and promoter. In

1998 he became president of the Romanian 1998 he became president of the Romanian National Olympic Committee.National Olympic Committee.

•ILIE NILIE NĂĂSTASE AND ION STASE AND ION ȚȚIRIACIRIAC

As a tennis man he played in over 150 games As a tennis man he played in over 150 games in Davis Cup, won over 40 international titles, in Davis Cup, won over 40 international titles,

9 titles as Romanian champion and as a ice 9 titles as Romanian champion and as a ice hockey player he participated at the Winter hockey player he participated at the Winter

Olympic Games in Innsbruck 1964. Olympic Games in Innsbruck 1964. He started his career in business as a He started his career in business as a

manager and promoter of opens like Eurocard manager and promoter of opens like Eurocard Open, Austrian Open, Italian Open, Faber Open, Austrian Open, Italian Open, Faber

Grand Prix and Open Romania.Grand Prix and Open Romania.

Ion Ion ȚȚiriac was the first man in Romania who iriac was the first man in Romania who founded a private bank. Also, his passion for cars founded a private bank. Also, his passion for cars

made him a representative of Romania for made him a representative of Romania for Vehicle Brands like: Mercedes, Ford, Hyundai etc. Vehicle Brands like: Mercedes, Ford, Hyundai etc.

Part of Part of ȚȚiriac Group is iriac Group is ȚȚiriacAir, which has iriacAir, which has become the most prestigious charter operator become the most prestigious charter operator

specialised in VIP and corporate services.specialised in VIP and corporate services.

As a business man he has As a business man he has lots of important businesses lots of important businesses

all over the world. The all over the world. The investments he had done in investments he had done in Romania are bigger than 50 Romania are bigger than 50

million dollars. million dollars. He is a president at He is a president at ȚȚiriac iriac Holdings Ltd which is formed Holdings Ltd which is formed

of many Romanian of many Romanian independent societies. independent societies.

He is also the founder of He is also the founder of Child's House in Brasov, a Child's House in Brasov, a house where are over 100 house where are over 100

abandoned children.abandoned children.

Ion Ion ȚȚiriac has a successful iriac has a successful career and he can be a model career and he can be a model for many people who want to for many people who want to

succeed in life. succeed in life.

III. PERFORMANCE ATHLETES

Ilie NIlie Năăstase was born stase was born on July 19, 1946 in on July 19, 1946 in Bucharest, he is a Bucharest, he is a

former tennis player, former tennis player, one of the world’s top one of the world’s top

tennismen in the tennismen in the 1970’s and the best 1970’s and the best Romanian athlete to Romanian athlete to

play the game. He was play the game. He was inducted in the ATP inducted in the ATP Hall of Fame back in Hall of Fame back in

1991.1991.

ILIE NĂSTASE

BEGINNINGS

He began his tennis career He began his tennis career in 1966 with his friend, Ion in 1966 with his friend, Ion

ȚȚiriac. Together they iriac. Together they represented Romania in the represented Romania in the Davis Cup, an international Davis Cup, an international competition, being three competition, being three

times runners-up, in : times runners-up, in : 1969,1971,1972. In singles 1969,1971,1972. In singles competition, he managed competition, he managed

to won his first tournament to won his first tournament in 1967 at Cannes. His first in 1967 at Cannes. His first victories over world class victories over world class players happened in 1969 players happened in 1969

at Stockholm, Nat Stockholm, Năăstase stase defeating Tony Roche and defeating Tony Roche and

Stan Smith.Stan Smith.

THE EARLY 70’S In 1970, NIn 1970, Năăstase gained his stase gained his

place among the top 10 place among the top 10 players of the world, many players of the world, many

analysts considering that he analysts considering that he was the seventh player of the was the seventh player of the

world, behind great names world, behind great names like: Rod Laver, John like: Rod Laver, John

Newcombe or Arthur Ashe. Newcombe or Arthur Ashe. NNăăstase won the Italian Open stase won the Italian Open and an indoor tournament in and an indoor tournament in

Maryland, U.S.A.Maryland, U.S.A.

In 1971 he continued his rise, In 1971 he continued his rise, being runner-up at the French being runner-up at the French Open in Paris. In the final he Open in Paris. In the final he

was defeated by Jan Kodes. In was defeated by Jan Kodes. In December he won the ATP December he won the ATP

World Tour Finals.World Tour Finals.

MAKING HIMSELF KNOWN... In 1972 he became the In 1972 he became the second ranked player in the second ranked player in the top, winning the U.S. Open, top, winning the U.S. Open,

defeating Arthur Ashe.defeating Arthur Ashe. Also, he managed to reach Also, he managed to reach

the Wimbledon finals, the Wimbledon finals, confronting Stan Smith. He confronting Stan Smith. He lost the game in five sets, lost the game in five sets,

but he attracted the but he attracted the attention and the love of attention and the love of the fans by his manner of the fans by his manner of

playing and by his jokes on playing and by his jokes on the court. After the game the court. After the game he gained his nickname: he gained his nickname:

Nasty.Nasty.

TOP OF THE CAREER

In 1973 NIn 1973 Năăstase was in a stase was in a splendid condition splendid condition

winning tournament after winning tournament after tournament. In that year tournament. In that year he won 17 tournaments, he won 17 tournaments,

including the French including the French Open, a Wimbledon Open, a Wimbledon

doubles title and a third doubles title and a third ATP World Tour Finals. He ATP World Tour Finals. He

won at Roland Garros won at Roland Garros without dropping a set without dropping a set and also he managed to and also he managed to win in succession, three win in succession, three

competitions, an competitions, an unequalled performance.unequalled performance.

TWILIGHT OF THE CAREER

In 1977 NIn 1977 Năăstase stase finished finished 9th in the ATP 9th in the ATP top. He managed to get top. He managed to get in the quarter finals of in the quarter finals of

Roland Garros and Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Wimbledon.

He steadily declined and He steadily declined and from time to time he from time to time he

defeated a good player.defeated a good player. Ilie NIlie Năăstase retired in stase retired in October 1985 at age of October 1985 at age of 39 after a tournament 39 after a tournament in Toulouse, France.in Toulouse, France.

STYLE

NNăăstase is considered to be one stase is considered to be one of the most talented player who of the most talented player who

ever played the game. He is ever played the game. He is known for his attitude on the known for his attitude on the court and for the most bizarre court and for the most bizarre

actions during a game. The actions during a game. The crowd loved him for the jokes crowd loved him for the jokes and for his ability to entertain, and for his ability to entertain,

for his mimicry and for his for his mimicry and for his ability with the racket. ability with the racket.

Named “Nasty” or the “Bucharest Named “Nasty” or the “Bucharest Buffon”, his aggressive playing Buffon”, his aggressive playing

style helped him to win 57 style helped him to win 57 tournaments.tournaments.

Ilie is remembered for his speed, Ilie is remembered for his speed, for his lobs and for his amazing for his lobs and for his amazing

retrieves. His greatest weakness retrieves. His greatest weakness was that he could get irritated was that he could get irritated pretty fast and he could loose pretty fast and he could loose

concentration.concentration.

ACHIEVEMENTS

One of the greatest tennis One of the greatest tennis player, Nplayer, Năăstase won 57 stase won 57

tournaments, earning in his tournaments, earning in his career over 2 million $. He career over 2 million $. He

received numerous received numerous distinctions and it is distinctions and it is

considered to be on the 28considered to be on the 28thth place in the top of the place in the top of the

greatest players ever, made greatest players ever, made by TENNIS Magazine. by TENNIS Magazine. HeHe

has numerous advertising has numerous advertising contracts, the most contracts, the most

important is with Adidas important is with Adidas the company, producing the company, producing

tennis shoes named after tennis shoes named after the legend. He is the legend. He is

considered to be the last considered to be the last romantic of the tennis.romantic of the tennis.

NADIA COMĂNECI

Nadia ComNadia Comăăneci (born neci (born 1961) is one of the most-1961) is one of the most-celebrated gymnasts in celebrated gymnasts in the history of the sport. the history of the sport.

At the 1976 Olympic At the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Games in Montreal,

Quebec, Canada, she was Quebec, Canada, she was the first person in Olympic the first person in Olympic history to score a perfect history to score a perfect 10 in gymnastics. In all, 10 in gymnastics. In all,

she earned seven perfect she earned seven perfect scores at the 1976 games.scores at the 1976 games.

At the age of 14, Romanian At the age of 14, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comgymnast Nadia Comăăneci neci became an international became an international

sensation after her sensation after her performance at Montreal's performance at Montreal's 1976 Olympics. She earned 1976 Olympics. She earned

seven perfect scores and five seven perfect scores and five medals, including three gold, medals, including three gold, and was the first gymnast to and was the first gymnast to ever earn a perfect score in ever earn a perfect score in

Olympic competitionOlympic competition..

Her 1976 gold medals were for Her 1976 gold medals were for uneven bars, balance beam and uneven bars, balance beam and

all-around; Her 1980 goldall-around; Her 1980 gold medalsmedals were for balance beam were for balance beam

and floor exercise.and floor exercise.

CComăneci was the first Romanian gymnast to win the omăneci was the first Romanian gymnast to win the all-around title at the Olympics. She also holds the all-around title at the Olympics. She also holds the

record as the youngest Olympic gymnastics all-around record as the youngest Olympic gymnastics all-around champion ever; with the revised age-eligibility champion ever; with the revised age-eligibility

requirements in the sport (gymnasts must now turn 16 requirements in the sport (gymnasts must now turn 16 in the calendar year to compete in the Olympics; in in the calendar year to compete in the Olympics; in 1976 gymnasts had to be 14 by the first day of the 1976 gymnasts had to be 14 by the first day of the competition), it is currently not possible to legally competition), it is currently not possible to legally

break this record.break this record.

1977 – 1980

Comăneci successfully defended Comăneci successfully defended her European all-around title in her European all-around title in

19771977.. Following the 1977 Europeans, Following the 1977 Europeans,

the Romanian Gymnastics the Romanian Gymnastics Federation removed Comăneci Federation removed Comăneci from her longtime coaches, the from her longtime coaches, the

Károlyis, and sent her toKárolyis, and sent her to BucharestBucharest to train at the 23  to train at the 23 August sports complex. The August sports complex. The change was not positive for change was not positive for

Comăneci.Comăneci. An overweight and out-of-shape An overweight and out-of-shape

Comăneci showed up at theComăneci showed up at the 1978 1978 World ChampionshipsWorld Championships 1978. A fall  1978. A fall from the uneven bars resulted in from the uneven bars resulted in

a 4th place finish in the all-a 4th place finish in the all-around behind Elena Mukhina, around behind Elena Mukhina,

Nellie Kim, and Natalia Nellie Kim, and Natalia Shaposhnikova, but Comăneci Shaposhnikova, but Comăneci

won the beam title.won the beam title.

At the World Championships that December, Comăneci led At the World Championships that December, Comăneci led the field after the compulsory competition but was the field after the compulsory competition but was

hospitalized before the optional portion of the team hospitalized before the optional portion of the team competition for blood poisoningcompetition for blood poisoning..

Against doctors' orders, she left the hospital and competed Against doctors' orders, she left the hospital and competed on the beam, where she scored a 9.95. Her performance on the beam, where she scored a 9.95. Her performance helped give the Romanians their first team gold medal.helped give the Romanians their first team gold medal.

Comăneci participated in Comăneci participated in the 1980 Summer the 1980 Summer

Olympics in Moscow, where Olympics in Moscow, where she placed second, by a she placed second, by a small margin, tosmall margin, to Yelena Yelena

Davydova. She defended her Davydova. She defended her Olympic title in the balance Olympic title in the balance beam and tied with Nellie beam and tied with Nellie

Kim for the gold medal in the Kim for the gold medal in the floor exercise. The Romanian floor exercise. The Romanian team finished second overall.team finished second overall.

She retired from competition She retired from competition in 1981. Her official in 1981. Her official

retirement ceremony took retirement ceremony took place in Bucharest in 1984 place in Bucharest in 1984

and was attended by and was attended by the International Olympic the International Olympic

Committee Chairman.Committee Chairman.

AWARDS

Comăneci received Comăneci received the Olympic Order, the Olympic Order, the highest award the highest award

given by given by the International the International

Olympic Committee, Olympic Committee, in 1984 and 2004. in 1984 and 2004.

She is the only She is the only person to receive this person to receive this honor twice, and was honor twice, and was

also the youngest also the youngest recipient. She has recipient. She has also been inducted also been inducted

into the International into the International Gymnastics Hall of Gymnastics Hall of

Fame.Fame.

SPECIAL SKILLS She was known for her clean She was known for her clean

technique, innovative and technique, innovative and difficult original skills, and her difficult original skills, and her

stoic, cool demeanor in stoic, cool demeanor in competition.competition.

On the uneven bars, Nadia On the uneven bars, Nadia performed her own release performed her own release

move, a kip to front salto. The move, a kip to front salto. The skill is named after her in the skill is named after her in the

women's Code of Points.women's Code of Points. On balance beam, Nadia was On balance beam, Nadia was

the first gymnast to the first gymnast to successfully perform an aerial successfully perform an aerial

walkover and an aerial walkover and an aerial cartwheel-back handspring cartwheel-back handspring

flight series. She is also flight series. She is also credited as being the first credited as being the first

gymnast to perform a double-gymnast to perform a double-twist dismount.twist dismount.

WHAT IS BEING FAIMOUS TO YOU?

““I was not aware how famous I was I was not aware how famous I was in the world for a long time. In fact, I in the world for a long time. In fact, I

think I found out only after the think I found out only after the competition in Montreal, when competition in Montreal, when

travelling in the United States to travelling in the United States to perform in gymnastics shows at perform in gymnastics shows at

Madison Square Garden. I could not Madison Square Garden. I could not understand at the time why people understand at the time why people

were so keen to touch me or my were so keen to touch me or my pompons. At that time our schedule pompons. At that time our schedule

was  so tight, with short visits was  so tight, with short visits abroad, when most of our time was abroad, when most of our time was

spent in rehearsals and training. But spent in rehearsals and training. But we were so young that I do not we were so young that I do not

believe we would have been believe we would have been genuinely interested in sight-seeing genuinely interested in sight-seeing or meeting other people; we were or meeting other people; we were pretty exhausted by our training pretty exhausted by our training

anyway”anyway”..

““Sometimes I have to pinch Sometimes I have to pinch myself to tell if it is still true. myself to tell if it is still true. Nowadays it is so hard to do Nowadays it is so hard to do something that will create a something that will create a

real impact, so that people will real impact, so that people will remember that moment, or remember that moment, or

have their lives changed by it. I have their lives changed by it. I recall that I had the recall that I had the

opportunity to meet Celine opportunity to meet Celine Dion in Canada, at the end of Dion in Canada, at the end of one of her concerts. She was one of her concerts. She was

early in her career and singing early in her career and singing only in French. She told me only in French. She told me

that after seeing my that after seeing my performance in the Montreal performance in the Montreal

Olympics she told herself that Olympics she told herself that she wanted to do something she wanted to do something

with her life that will make her with her life that will make her as big a success as I was as big a success as I was

then.”then.”

POST RETIREMENT

In December 2003, In December 2003, Comăneci's book Letters To A Comăneci's book Letters To A

Young Gymnast was Young Gymnast was published, a combination of published, a combination of mentoring book and memoir. mentoring book and memoir. The book answered questions The book answered questions

that she has received in that she has received in letters from fans. She has letters from fans. She has also been the subject of also been the subject of

several unofficial biographies, several unofficial biographies, television documentaries and television documentaries and

a made-for-television a made-for-television film, Nadia, that was film, Nadia, that was

broadcast in the United broadcast in the United States shortly before the States shortly before the

1984 Olympics.1984 Olympics.

RECENT ACTIVITIES CComăneci is active in many charities omăneci is active in many charities

and international organizations. In and international organizations. In 1999, she became the first athlete to 1999, she became the first athlete to

be invited to speak at the United be invited to speak at the United Nations to launch the Year 2000 Nations to launch the Year 2000

International Year of Volunteers. She International Year of Volunteers. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the is currently the Vice-Chair of the

Board Of Directors of the Board Of Directors of the International Special Olympics and International Special Olympics and

Vice President of the Board of Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Muscular Dystrophy Directors of the Muscular Dystrophy

Association. Association.  In 2003, the Romanian government In 2003, the Romanian government

appointed her as an Honorary Consul appointed her as an Honorary Consul General of Romania to the United General of Romania to the United

States to deal with bilateral relations States to deal with bilateral relations between the two nations. She between the two nations. She

performs this function based out of performs this function based out of her Norman, Oklahoma, office.her Norman, Oklahoma, office.

IV. MOVIE MAKERS

Cristian Mungiu Cristian Mungiu is a Romanian is a Romanian

filmmaker, filmmaker, winner of the winner of the Palme d'Or in Palme d'Or in

2007, the highest 2007, the highest prize awarded to prize awarded to competing films competing films at the Cannes at the Cannes Film Festival.Film Festival.

CRISTIAN MUNGIU

He was born in He was born in 1968 at Iaşi. After 1968 at Iaşi. After studying English studying English literature at the literature at the

University of Iaşi, he University of Iaşi, he worked for a few worked for a few

years as a teacher years as a teacher and as a journalist. and as a journalist.

After that, he After that, he enrolled at the enrolled at the

University of Film in University of Film in Bucharest to study Bucharest to study film directing. After film directing. After graduating in 1998, graduating in 1998,

Mungiu made Mungiu made several short films. several short films.

His first feature His first feature film was Occident, film was Occident, which appeared in which appeared in

2002. Occident 2002. Occident enjoyed critical enjoyed critical

success, winning success, winning prizes in several prizes in several film festivals and film festivals and being featured in being featured in

Director’s Director’s Fortnight at the Fortnight at the

2002 Cannes Film 2002 Cannes Film Festival.Festival.

In 2007 Mungiu wrote In 2007 Mungiu wrote and directed his and directed his

second feature, 4 second feature, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and Months, 3 Weeks and

2 Days. 2 Days. The initial idea was The initial idea was inspired by Mungiu’s inspired by Mungiu’s project to do a film, project to do a film, Memories form the Memories form the Golden Age, which Golden Age, which

would collect several would collect several stories taking place stories taking place during Communist during Communist

Romania.Romania.

Mungiu felt the need for a Mungiu felt the need for a serious movie, focusing on a serious movie, focusing on a tragic true story, which still tragic true story, which still affected the director more affected the director more

than 15 years after the story than 15 years after the story happened. happened.

The film was received The film was received

enthusiastically, attracting enthusiastically, attracting critical praise and being critical praise and being selected in the official selected in the official

competition at the 2007 competition at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, where Cannes Film Festival, where

it eventually won the it eventually won the coveted Palme d'Or for coveted Palme d'Or for

feature film, marking the feature film, marking the first time that prize was first time that prize was awarded to a Romanian awarded to a Romanian

filmmaker.filmmaker.

After the success achieved at Cannes, After the success achieved at Cannes, Mungiu also have won several international Mungiu also have won several international

film contest.film contest.

His film made history as being one of the His film made history as being one of the best films ever made while Cristian Mungiu best films ever made while Cristian Mungiu

is still writing the history through his is still writing the history through his creationscreations..

MAIA MORGENSTERN

In the English-speaking In the English-speaking world, she is probably world, she is probably

best known for the role best known for the role of Mary, the mother of of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Mel Gibson's Jesus, in Mel Gibson's

The Passion of the The Passion of the Christ. In Romania, she Christ. In Romania, she

has been nationally has been nationally known since her 1992 known since her 1992

role as Nela in Balanţa, role as Nela in Balanţa, a film known in the a film known in the

United States as The United States as The Oak, set during the Oak, set during the

waning days of waning days of Comunist RomaniaComunist Romania..

“A symbol of Romanian theater and film"

Her surname, Her surname, Morgenstern, Morgenstern,

means "Morning means "Morning Star" in German, Star" in German,

a title of the a title of the Virgin Mary, the Virgin Mary, the character she character she played in The played in The Passion of the Passion of the

Christ. Mel Christ. Mel Gibson, a devout Gibson, a devout

Traditionalist Traditionalist Catholic, thought Catholic, thought

this of great this of great significance significance

when casting her.when casting her.

SHE HAS WON SEVERAL MAJOR AWARDS AS AN SHE HAS WON SEVERAL MAJOR AWARDS AS AN ACTRESS SUCH ASACTRESS SUCH AS::

Best Film Actress for: Best Film Actress for: The The Passion of the ChristPassion of the Christ (2004), (2004), Ethnic Multicultural Media Ethnic Multicultural Media

Awards (EMMA Awards), UKAwards (EMMA Awards), UKBest Best

Actress Actress for: for:

BalanţBalanţaa

(1992), (1992), Cinéma Cinéma

Tout Tout Ecran Ecran

(Genev(Geneva Film a Film FestivaFestiva

l)l)

UNITER UNITER best best

actress actress award award (1993), (1993), for her for her role in role in GhettoGhetto at the at the RomanRoman

ian ian NationNation

al al TheatrTheatr

e.e.

V. SINGERS The First Hariclea Darclée The First Hariclea Darclée

International Voice Competition, International Voice Competition, with 167 candidates from 25 with 167 candidates from 25

countries, took place in Braila in countries, took place in Braila in 1997, in the same theatre in 1997, in the same theatre in

which the grate artist made her which the grate artist made her debut in 1881, at age 21.debut in 1881, at age 21.

Braila was renowned for its Braila was renowned for its cultural and artistic life, cultural and artistic life,

applauding Sarah Bernhardt or De applauding Sarah Bernhardt or De Max, and for its passionate love Max, and for its passionate love

for singing and the human voice. for singing and the human voice. The biennial Hariclea Darclée The biennial Hariclea Darclée Voice Competition represents an Voice Competition represents an

exceptional and far-reaching exceptional and far-reaching revival of this great tradition.revival of this great tradition.

Hariclea Darclée sang 58 roles on 56 operas (32 operas of Hariclea Darclée sang 58 roles on 56 operas (32 operas of tradition, 12 in absolute première and 16 operas in tradition, 12 in absolute première and 16 operas in

important premières) by 31 composers (12 composer of the important premières) by 31 composers (12 composer of the tradition and 19 young composers with new operas tradition and 19 young composers with new operas

interpreted in absolute première). This great artist occupies interpreted in absolute première). This great artist occupies a singular position in the Universal History of the Opera.a singular position in the Universal History of the Opera.

MARIANA NICOLESCO

On Hariclea Darclée's 135 On Hariclea Darclée's 135 th anniversary, in 1995, th anniversary, in 1995, her native city of Braila her native city of Braila honored the memory of honored the memory of

the legendary soprano by the legendary soprano by organizing the First organizing the First

National Voice National Voice Competition named after Competition named after her. The huge success of her. The huge success of the event, with over one the event, with over one

hundred competitors, hundred competitors, convinced its organizers convinced its organizers

to turn it into an to turn it into an international contest.international contest.

For her "extraordinary For her "extraordinary performances and for performances and for

everything she does for everything she does for the young generation" she the young generation" she was proclaimed in Berlin was proclaimed in Berlin

Musician of the Year: <<A Musician of the Year: <<A great Voice for the great Voice for the

Renaissance of Culture>>.Renaissance of Culture>>.

Her arresting personality Her arresting personality captivated audiences captivated audiences around the world ever around the world ever

since her first Violetta in since her first Violetta in La TraviataLa Traviata, with Thomas , with Thomas

Schippers conducting Schippers conducting Giancarlo Menotti's Giancarlo Menotti's

production in Florence.production in Florence.

ANGELA GHEORGHIU

Is a Romanian soprano Is a Romanian soprano opera singer. Since her opera singer. Since her professional debut in professional debut in 1990, she has sung as 1990, she has sung as

soprano leading roles at soprano leading roles at New York's Metropolitan New York's Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden's Opera, Covent Garden's Royal Opera House, the Royal Opera House, the

Vienna State Opera, Vienna State Opera, Milan's La Scala, and Milan's La Scala, and

many other opera houses many other opera houses in Europe and the United in Europe and the United

States. She has a States. She has a substantial discography substantial discography

primarily with EMI primarily with EMI Classics and Decca.Classics and Decca.

Gheorghiu made her international Gheorghiu made her international debut in 1992 at the Royal Opera debut in 1992 at the Royal Opera House as Zerlina in House as Zerlina in Don Giovanni.Don Giovanni. She debuted at the Vienna State She debuted at the Vienna State Opera as Adina in Opera as Adina in L'elisir d'amoreL'elisir d'amore and at the Metropolitan Opera as and at the Metropolitan Opera as

Mimi in Mimi in La bohème.La bohème. She has recorded many recital She has recorded many recital

albums and complete opera albums and complete opera recordings and often appears on recordings and often appears on

television and in concerts. The EMI television and in concerts. The EMI recording of Massenet's recording of Massenet's ManonManon

with Angela Georghiu in the title with Angela Georghiu in the title role won the 2001 Gramophone role won the 2001 Gramophone

Award for "Best Opera Recording", Award for "Best Opera Recording", was nominated for "Best Opera was nominated for "Best Opera Recording" in the 2002 Grammy Recording" in the 2002 Grammy

AwardsAwards

"Because I grew up in a country "Because I grew up in a country where there was no possibility of where there was no possibility of having an opinion, it makes me having an opinion, it makes me

stronger now. Lots of singers are stronger now. Lots of singers are frightened about not getting frightened about not getting

invited back to an opera house if invited back to an opera house if they speak out. But I have the they speak out. But I have the

courage to be, in a way, courage to be, in a way, revolutionary. I want to fight for revolutionary. I want to fight for

opera, for it to be taken seriously. opera, for it to be taken seriously. Pop music is for the body, but Pop music is for the body, but

opera is for the soul.”opera is for the soul.”

Six weeks later, Gheorghiu made her debut at San Six weeks later, Gheorghiu made her debut at San Francisco Opera receiving favorable reviews for her Francisco Opera receiving favorable reviews for her

Magda in that company's new production of Magda in that company's new production of La La rondinerondine. .

It is one event which she particularly admires:It is one event which she particularly admires: ""When the curtain opened on La Rondine at Covent When the curtain opened on La Rondine at Covent Garden, the audience gasped and applauded. People Garden, the audience gasped and applauded. People

want to dream. If directors want to do something want to dream. If directors want to do something new with operas, why not do something beautifulnew with operas, why not do something beautiful?" ?"

A PROJECT MADE BY:

CRISTIAN ȘTEFAN BARBUCRISTIAN ȘTEFAN BARBU CRISTINA ALEXANDRA BĂLANCRISTINA ALEXANDRA BĂLAN

ELIZA CRISTINA CIOCĂELIZA CRISTINA CIOCĂ ANA MARIA MĂLÎIAANA MARIA MĂLÎIA

ANDREEA CRISTINA TUDORACHEANDREEA CRISTINA TUDORACHE

PROJECT COORDINATOR:PROJECT COORDINATOR: CORINA PAVEL CORINA PAVEL

LUMINIŢA MOCANULUMINIŢA MOCANU CRISTIAN TONCEACRISTIAN TONCEA