Let the music play: Romania begins historic classical music tribute to composer George Enescu

One of the world's biggest classical music events, the George Enescu International Festival, has begun in Romania.

The 27th edition promises to be an extraordinary celebration as the country commemorates the 70th anniversary of the death of the eponymous composer and musician.

Over the next four weeks, steered by artistic director and renowned conductor Cristian Măcelaru, the festival will play host to more than 4,000 musicians from across the world, legendary orchestras, conductors and soloists, performing over 100 concerts in Bucharest and other Romanian cities.

“It's a special edition because as always, we present music of George Enescu in context of all the other composers we present. It's so important for us to be able to offer the world this beautiful moment in which the music that speaks directly to our heart is shared by all those that are able to come to the concerts,” says Măcelaru.

The man behind the music

George Enescu is widely considered to be the greatest Romanian musician of the 20th century. He was the author of the 'Romanian Rhapsodies', a composer, pianist, violinist, conductor and mentor to many greats like Yehudi Menuhin.

This year's theme, 'Celebrations', will be interpreted through 45 contemporary and repertory performances of Enescu's various works, including his monumental opera Oedip, staged by the Bucharest National Opera.

Alongside opera and ballet, from Berlioz's 'Symphonie fantastique' to Igor Stravinsky's 'Firebird Suite' and Richard Strauss' 'Salomé' - the programme is as eclectic and exhilarating as the music itself.

“With the help of local authorities and partners, we're holding concerts in more than 15 cities in Romania, including Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Constanța, and also in Brăila, Arad, Satu Mare", says Cristina Uruc, organiser of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition. "So all over Romania you will be able to witness and to listen to great music, to Enescu’s music.”

Honouring musical masters

Beyond Enescu, the festival will also celebrate major milestones in the lives and works of legendary composers: Maurice Ravel (150 years since his birth), Gabriel Fauré (180 years since his birth), Pierre Boulez (100 years since his birth), Arvo Pärt (90 years since his birth), Johann Sebastian Bach (340 years since his birth), Dmitri Shostakovich (50 years since his passing).

For those fortunate enough to be able to attend, there's also the added attraction of being able to enjoy some of Romania's finest settings and stages for music.

A true jewel of neoclassical and eclectic architecture, the Romanian Athenaeum – home of the George Enescu Philharmonic – is one of the world's most beautiful concert halls, awarded the European Heritage Label, and a beloved symbol of the capital Bucharest.

Future focus

This year's edition will also promises bold reinterpretations of Enescu's music with pioneering concerts at Bucharest's Control Club, one of the city's trendiest venues.

Famous for its live music scene and vibrant atmosphere, each Wednesday evening during the festival, the site will play host to artists seeking to reimagine and combine Enescu's classical mastery with contemporary sounds and modern genres.

The aim of the project is to ensure Enescu's legacy lives on through new, younger audiences.