  
Rock the Opera at Sala Palatului: A Symphony of Rock and Awe
On November 12th, 2024, the grand Sala Palatului in Bucharest became the epicenter of a mesmerizing fusion of rock and classical music. The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rock the Opera project offered a sublime experience, blending the raw power of rock with the sophistication of classical orchestration. Having witnessed countless concerts over two decades, I must confess: this one stands tall among the most enchanting performances of my career.
The night began with the spellbinding first chords of Deep Purple’s "Perfect Strangers". As the orchestra swelled, the hall filled with an almost tangible energy. The duo of Zuzana Miková (from the Köln Philharmonic) and Sabina Olijve (from the Prague Philharmonic) crafted a celestial atmosphere. Their voices intertwined with the lush orchestral backdrop, creating a whirlpool of divine harmonies that simultaneously paid homage to rock’s raw essence and classical grandeur.
The momentum built quickly, as U2’s "With or Without You" brought Giusy Ferrigno into the spotlight. With her flamboyant presence and soaring vocals, she injected fresh dynamism into the performance. The audience, initially reserved, began to warm up, joining her in heartfelt singalongs. When the orchestra transitioned to Queen’s "One Vision," the electrifying presence of Ronnie Romero ignited the stage. His powerful voice and charismatic showmanship channeled the spirit of Freddie Mercury, sending the crowd into rapturous applause.
The show had its tender moments, too. Metallica’s "Nothing Else Matters" provided a poignant pause. Jiri Rambousek’s masterful guitar work cast a spell, each note resonating with bittersweet intensity. Joined by Giusy and Zuzana, the song evolved into a cathartic experience that left many in tears. As the concert unfolded, the classics kept coming: Pink Floyd’s "Time" and "Echoes," Deep Purple’s "Highway Star," Queen’s "A Kind of Magic"—a song where Ronnie Romero shone yet again.
After a well-deserved intermission, the second act erupted with Deep Purple’s "Hush," a storm of sound that had the audience on their feet. Van Halen’s "Jump" added infectious energy, while Rainbow’s "I Surrender" and Radiohead’s "Exit Music" offered haunting beauty. As the orchestra moved into AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck", the volcanic energy reached its peak. By the time the planned set ended with Pink Floyd’s "Comfortably Numb," the audience was in awe—silent, breathless, and utterly captivated.
But the crowd wasn’t ready to let go, and neither were the performers. Responding to thunderous ovations, they delivered an encore for the ages: Europe’s "The Final Countdown," Pink Floyd’s "Wish You Were Here," AC/DC’s "Highway to Hell," and finally, Deep Purple’s "Smoke on the Water." With this iconic anthem, the evening reached its climactic finale, leaving the audience roaring their approval.
Throughout the night, the performers’ chemistry was palpable, particularly between Jiri Rambousek and Sabina Olijve. Their playful interactions—exchanging smiles, dancing together, and sharing musical moments—added a layer of intrigue and warmth to the evening. Were they simply sharing the joy of the music, or was there something more? The audience couldn’t help but speculate.
As I left the Sala Palatului, overwhelmed with gratitude for what I had just experienced, I realized how rare it is to witness such a perfect blend of artistry and emotion. Rock the Opera wasn’t just a concert; it was a journey through decades of rock masterpieces, reimagined and reborn. The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and its phenomenal soloists reminded us of the timelessness of music and its power to unite hearts across genres and generations.
This was not merely a performance—it was a triumph, a testament to the boundless possibilities of musical fusion. If you ever have the chance to experience Rock the Opera, seize it. It’s an experience that lingers long after the final note fades. |
