"In times that challenge our humanity, I created Humans around what defines us most: the soul, which no artificial or real intelligence can quantify or surpass. Music is its expression - an infinite language that transcends words and the wounds of civilizations.”
– David Grimal
DAVID
GRIMAL
Visionary Violinist and Cultural Leader
“A musician renowned for his intellectual curiosity, his taste for all kinds of musical adventure, and his commitment to society.” – The Guardian.
Today, David Grimal stands out both as a virtuoso violinist and as a cultural entrepreneur, building bridges between nations, disciplines, and generations through music.
“Internationally acclaimed as one of the most original violinists of his generation,” Le Monde hails him as “an violonist who constantly renews the art of interpretation.” Invited to perform on the world’s most prestigious stages, as soloist or conductor of leading orchestras, he is also the chamber music partner of choice for the greatest artists at renowed festivals.
FIn 2004, he founded Les Dissonances, the only orchestra worldwide performing the symphonic repertoire without a conductor, with filmed concerts broadcast in over 60 countries From 2003 to 2024, he le’d L’Autre Saison in Paris pioneering series for the homeless that helped over 400 people escape extreme poverty. In 2022, he created the Lumière’s d’Europe, an Academy-festival under Nobel laureate Serge Haroche’s honorary presidency, combining music with philosophy, literature, science, and history, while supporting young European musicians
His recordings,awarded distinctions such as BBC Music Choice, Diapason d’Or, Télérama ffff, and ArteSélection, appear on EMI, Harmonia Mundi, Naïve, Aeon, Transart, and La Dolce Volta.
A dedicated teacher,he has taught at the Conservatoire de Paris, now at the Hochschule für Musik Saarbrücken, and is regularly invited to leading institutions worldwide.
David Grimal was made a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres in 2008 by the French Ministry of Culture.
Mission
HUMANS is a classical music festival that aims to go beyond the simple presentation of concerts. It embraces a broader mission: to educate, to convey authentic emotion, and to foster a living dialogue between generations-creating connections between artists and audiences, between higher education institutions and beyond, and between different artistic disciplines.
Why Cluj-Napoca?
Cluj-Napoca is a city of culture, universities, and the meeting point of traditions. Situated at the crossroads of major European influences, it has, over time, cultivated a vibrant and open artistic community. The HUMANS Festival builds on this cultural energy, adding a new dimension through the lens of classical music and transforming the city into an international meeting point.