More than 46,000 people sang together in 214 locations across Romania and the Republic of Moldova at events organised by the National Cantus Mundi Programme to mark Earth Hour 2026, observed internationally this year on March 28.
According to a press release issued by the Madrigal - Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir, 25,000 children and young people from 682 Cantus Mundi choirs and instrumental ensembles, along with more than 21,000 spectators, took part in the largest global voluntary action dedicated to environmental protection - Earth Hour.
At the tenth edition of Earth Hour with Cantus Mundi, choristers and instrumentalists, together with conductors and regional coordinators of the programme, were applauded in 138 localities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
The recitals took place in public spaces, parks, squares, schools and institutions across all counties of Romania and in the Republic of Moldova.
Although the weather was not favourable everywhere and rain disrupted plans in some localities, organisers quickly adapted the events, moving recitals indoors.
"The tenth edition of Earth Hour with Cantus Mundi gives us yet another reason to be proud - once again we are recording participation records. The Cantus Mundi effect is evident nationwide: more and more children are discovering music, singing together and enjoying the experience of being part of a choir or instrumental ensemble. The National Cantus Mundi Programme brings music into the lives of children in increasingly diverse communities, and every voice that joins us is essential, opening doors to creativity, collaboration and harmony. I warmly congratulate all participants and those who support them in experiencing this extraordinary opportunity of singing together," said Leila Popovici, director of the National Cantus Mundi Programme, as quoted in the release.
According to the press release, lights were switched off and non-essential electrical appliances unplugged for one hour, while 29,000 children and young people in the programme simultaneously performed selections from the 26 songs included in the Cantus Mundi Earth Hour songbook, compiled by professionals from the Madrigal Choir and Cantus Mundi. Music was also made accessible to children with hearing impairments through the translation of lyrics into Romanian sign language by the CODA Farmecul Tacerii Foundation.
In Bucharest, Cantus Mundi marked Earth Hour at the Comic Opera for Children, where more than 900 children performed two consecutive recitals at 17:30 and 20:30.
Maramures once again recorded the highest participation, with more than 5,500 children, while Baia Mare remained among the top participating cities, with over 3,800 children, hosting once again the largest number of choristers performing recitals. At the "Casa Altemberger" History Museum in Sibiu, more than 900 children sang together, while the counties of Braila and Galati each brought together more than 1,600 children.
The largest Earth Hour with Cantus Mundi events in Romanian communes took place in Branesti, Ilfov County, with 475 children, and in Zorleni, Vaslui County, where 310 children joined their voices in unison for the planet.
AGERPRES National new Agency was among the media partners of the event.
The National Cantus Mundi Programme is the largest social integration through music programme in Romania, initiated by renowned conductor Ion Marin and carried out with the support of members of the "Madrigal - Marin Constantin" National Chamber Choir.
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