Bucharest, Romania, is preparing to host the 27th George Enescu International Festival from August 24 to September 21, 2025. This year's festival is a significant commemoration of the 70th anniversary of composer George Enescu's passing, held under the theme "Anniversaries / Celebrations." The event promises an extensive program featuring over 95 concerts and more than 4,000 artists from around the globe.
Artistic director Cristian Măcelaru has curated a program that balances tradition with innovation. A new initiative, the JTI Immersive Experience series, will merge classical music with cutting-edge visual arts. These performances are designed to engage younger audiences by offering a contemporary perspective on classical music and will take place at the MINA Museum on Thursday and Friday evenings, creating a synesthetic journey where sound, image, and movement converge.
The festival will feature renowned international performers, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and London's Philharmonia Orchestra. A central part of the programming is George Enescu's opera "Oedipe," presented by the Bucharest National Opera. This work, considered Enescu's masterpiece, premiered in Paris in 1936.
The George Enescu International Festival also serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent, showcasing performances by the Romanian Youth Orchestra and laureates of the George Enescu International Competition. Beyond the musical performances, the festival will include exhibitions, lectures, and a symposium dedicated to George Enescu, offering deeper insights into his life and enduring influence on music.