The George Enescu International Competition is one of the most important classical music competitions in Europe and a benchmark for the emergence of new generations of performers, stated President Nicusor Dan in a message read by Diana Punga, a State Counselor within the Presidential Administration.

The message was conveyed during the conference marking the opening of the 20th edition of the George Enescu International Competition, which will take place from August 23 to September 19.

'Through its tradition, prestige, and high artistic standards, the competition continues to discover and promote talents who will shape the future of the global music scene. The legacy of George Enescu transcends the boundaries of musical creation. It embodies a vision of culture as a space for dialogue, freedom of expression, and human connection. The great composer's conviction that music can bring souls together and build bridges between cultures remains as relevant as ever, inspiring young artists from around the world year after year to pursue their calling with passion and responsibility. With passion, because music entails more than the technically correct performance of a great composition; it demands a depth capable of conveying the work's meaning and nuances. With responsibility, because music has the power to evoke emotions, shape convictions, and captivate through its beauty. Today, as we face the challenges of the digital age, art once again proves its capacity to unite, inspire, and restore faith in the democratic values that underpin our society,' stated President Nicusor Dan.

The State Counsellor presented Cristian Macelaru, Artistic Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition, with the diploma marking the granting of the High Patronage of the President of Romania for the 2026 edition of the competition.

The festival's artistic director noted that the theme of the 20th edition of the George Enescu Competition is 'In Search of Excellence,' 'because excellence is not a point we reach, nor a prize we receive.'

'What does musical excellence actually mean? It cannot be a performance that receives an absolute grade; rather, musical excellence speaks of a journey that must be undertaken in a specific way—much like the path Enescu himself walked. It is an artist's journey pursued with generosity and intensity, yet also with humility and the acceptance that the more we know, the more we must continue to learn in order to create that extraordinary world—that universe around us—which inspires us all to strive for excellence in our endeavors. That is why this year's competition theme, 'In Search of Excellence,' is so significant and personal to me; Enescu, as the consummate artist, remains not merely the face and namesake of the competition, but the very model of the artist we aim to showcase. (...) Excellence is not a destination one reaches; excellence is the way you continue your journey,' stated Cristian Macelaru.

He noted that the perspective on the competition has shifted for this year's edition, with greater emphasis placed on each contestant's development and artistic journey—both during the competition and after its conclusion.

Macelaru noted that the juries for the four sections are composed of prominent figures with significant international careers: Mihaela Martin (violin), Arto Noras (cello), Lilya Zilberstein (piano), and Zygmunt Krauze (composition).

Cristian Macelaru also presented the new concept implemented for the competition's semi-finals.

'For the competition's semi-final, we decided to introduce a new way of hearing the contestants—this concept of 'play-conducting.' What does this entail? Each candidate will rehearse with a chamber orchestra—without a conductor—and will both play and conduct simultaneously; after all, a complete artist—like Enescu, who used to conduct while playing the violin—needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the music surrounding the score they are performing. This is a skill increasingly in demand in the 21st century, and it will certainly demonstrate the maturity of the semi-finalists and their ability to lead the orchestra,' said Macelaru.

The Artistic Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition concluded by stating that if great talents were discovered by the end of that year's competition, one of the event's missions would have been fulfilled; 'but if these young people leave here even more curious, more aware of who they are as artists, more open to others, and with the desire to keep surpassing themselves, then the competition has truly fulfilled its profound mission.'

Cristina Uruc, Manager of Artexim and Executive Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition, announced that 819 applications from 58 countries were received for this year's edition, covering both the instrumental sections and the masterclass programs. Of these, 756 applications were submitted for the violin, cello, piano, and composition sections, while 63 were for the masterclasses in conducting, performance, and composition.

Present at the event, the Mayor of the Capital, Ciprian Ciucu, stated that the Enescu Festival 'means a great deal to Bucharest.'

'First of all, what the festival succeeds in doing for Bucharest is giving it a brand. Our cultural brand is not very strong—we will work on that—but the festival's existence not only places the classical music world on the global map but also generates a wonderful creative energy among Bucharest's artists, uniting and bringing them together, which means a great deal. (...) We can only be grateful for the existence of this festival; it is a mature festival, one with a rich tradition and an established reputation—a festival that sets a high standard for us,' stated the Mayor of the Capital.

The message from the interim Minister of Culture, Andras Istvan Demeter, was conveyed by his advisor, Irina Radu.

'The value of an event is built from many components—beyond just the number of years it has been running or how it has grown over time. An event's value lies in the number of participants—spectators and competitors alike—as well as the number of people watching the concerts online, on television, or live,' stated András István Demeter.


At the conclusion, Irina Radu presented the 'George Enescu Medal' to Zygmunt Krauze, president of the Composition section jury, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the George Enescu International Festival and Competition.

Zygmunt Krauze expressed his gratitude for the distinction and said he was proud to have been part of the Enescu Competition for several years.

'I admire the work Maestro Macelaru is doing, and I would say he sets an example of how to promote an artist both at home and abroad. George Enescu is certainly someone deserving of protection and promotion, and I am happy to be part of this effort. Thank you very much for this distinction,' said Zygmunt Krauze. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)