In the town of Căpățâneni is the memorial home of George Stephănescu, the composer dedicated to the foundation of the Romanian Opera, who fought throughout his life for this goal. At the entrance, the following motto is inscribed: "The theater is the school and entertainment of the people, not of a few rich people - 1873".
George Stephănescu (1843-1925), the composer who served as singing teacher at the Bucharest Conservatory and conductor at the National Theater in Bucharest, was born here. He created music for three operettas and a lyrical drama, including the famous musical show "Sânziana și Pepelea", as well as the first Romanian symphony, the Symphony in A major. His artistic portfolio also includes numerous other works such as overtures, sonatas, one octet and two quartets, lieds, etc. George Stephănescu was a pioneer in organizing the first opera performances in the Romanian language and founded three opera societies, thus marking the beginnings of Romanian Opera.
In the house in Căpățâneni, the composer, who guided the career of the world-renowned Romanian soprano Darclée, composed some of his works, receiving visits from personalities such as Vasile Alecsandri, Ion Ghica, Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu, Ion Luca Caragiale, Alexandru Davila , Constantin Nottara, Aristizza Romanescu, Grigore Manolescu, Gh. Petrașcu. World famous singers Darclée and Popovici-Beyreuth were also guests of this house.
Source: Bucharest-Sibiu (Ministry of Tourism, 1977)
