Opening Theory is a Bucharest-based trio that combines the complex rhythms of progressive rock with a nu-jazz sensibility, all wrapped up in an energetic electronic sound. Inspired by the numerous possibilities of chess openings where the band's name comes from, the three musicians seek a balance between aggression and psychedelic sounds in their sonic explorations; angular riffs and rich harmonies.
George-Ioan Păiș is a musician who defines himself as a "rocker disguised as a composer." He studied light music composition, then transitioned to classical composition studies at the National University of Music in Bucharest, where he is currently a doctoral student and assistant in the composition department, teaching seminars on musical forms and analysis. His music is characterized by a rich appetite for harmony and asymmetrical rhythms, seeking to emulate the vitality of heavy metal music in a classical, new music context. Beyond his passion for contemporary music, George Păiș is also a composer and performer in the Opening Theory trio, a progressive jazz-rock band he leads. The band combines elements of jazz language with electronic sounds and the vitality of rock music, performing concerts in Romania and abroad. Ștefan Stoianovici is a jazz composer and pianist. With a solid background in both fields, he is currently pursuing doctoral studies in classical composition at the National University of Music in Bucharest and is active on the local jazz scene. His works have been performed under the baton of Cristian Măcelaru and Cristian Mandeal, he has written arrangements for the Radio Romania Big Band, and he has played at renowned international jazz festivals and competitions, such as the Jazz in Church Festival (Bucharest) and the B-jazz International Contest (Ghent, Belgium).
Alex Mușat is a PhD student at the National University of Music in Bucharest, a drummer, music journalist, and radio producer. As a drummer, he has collaborated on various mainstream Romanian pop music projects, co-founded the funk-rock project The Groovy Bastards, and is a member of Awake, the only Eastern European tribute band to the American progressive rock group Dream Theater. He currently plays in the indie pop project Luna Maar and the trio Opening Theory.
Alex Mușat hosts the weekly shows "Weekend fără snooze" and "La chat cu Alex Mușat" on Radio Seven, with guests including collaborators of Elton John and former members of the Beatles and Queen. He also contributes monthly to the music section of Zile și Nopți magazine and has edited the anniversary magazines Sunete – Queen (2021) and Sunete – Beatles (2022).
