Registrations for the cello, violin and piano sections of the 19th edition of the “George Enescu” International Competition, which will be held in Bucharest between August 31 and September 27, 2024, have recently closed.
The “George Enescu” International Competition is held in Bucharest. Photo: Alex Damian
555 young musicians from 57 countries applied to the “Enescu” Competition, setting a historical record in terms of participation in this prestigious international competition, a cultural project financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture under the High Patronage of the President of Romania .
Among the 555 candidates are also three 13-year-old participants in the violin and cello sections (one from the USA and two from South Korea), and the youngest competitor for the piano section is 15 years old and is from Romania.
It is important to specify that for the composition section and the masterclass of conducting, instrumental interpretation and deepening in the study of music, supported by maestro Cristian Măcelaru, registrations continue until June 30, 2024, therefore the organizers of the “Enescu”* Competition are counting on a new participation record.
“We are extremely pleased to announce a record number of 555 contestants registered for the 19th edition of the International Competition «George Enescu». This extraordinary participation, with candidates from 57 countries, underlines the ever-growing international prestige of the “Enescu” Contest. It is a testament to our commitment to promoting musical excellence and providing a launch pad for talented young artists from around the world. We are delighted to see that our efforts to expand the reach of the competition are paying off and we look forward to witnessing the extraordinary performances of these exceptional musicians”the conductor Cristian Măcelaru, the artistic director of the “George Enescu” International Festival and Competition, conveys.
555 young musicians from 57 countries
“The “George Enescu” International Competition proves, once again, that it is a beacon of artistic excellence and a meeting place for the most talented musicians of the new generation from all over the world. It is remarkable to see that 555 young musicians from 57 countries have expressed their desire to participate in this prestigious competition, thus showing the extent of the value and cultural influence that this event has on a global level. This competition is a celebration of music and culture, an opportunity to celebrate the talent and dedication of young artists from around the world. We look forward to welcoming them to Bucharest between August 31 and September 27, 2024. Congratulations to master Cristian Măcelaru, artistic director, and Mrs. Cristina Uruc, ARTEXIM manager, organizer of the “George Enescu” International Festival and Competition, for their significant contribution to promoting Romanian culture!”says Raluca Turcan, the Minister of Culture.
“In the last 72 hours, the ARTEXIM team analyzed, sorted and confirmed an impressive number of entries to the three instrumental sections of the “Enescu” Competition. We received 213 entries in the cello section, 195 entries in the violin section and 147 entries in the piano section. We are in close contact with the young musicians to finalize the application process and the appointed members of the juries are already prepared for the pre-selection stage of the candidates after which 50 participants from each section will be declared eligible to perform, starting from August 31, in Bucharest. They will perform the competition repertoire at the National University of Music in Bucharest and at the Romanian Athenaeum. We are excited by the ever-increasing interest in the «Enescu» Competition and are looking forward to the registrations for the composition section and for the new masterclass of conducting, instrumental interpretation and deepening the study of music, held by maestro Cristian Măcelaru. The deadline for these applications is June 30″Cristina Uruc, ARTEXIM Manager, organizer of the “George Enescu” International Festival and Competition, also transmits.
Country cultural brand and strategic cultural project at the national level, the “George Enescu” International Competition is financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture and organized by ARTEXIM.
Program of the “George Enescu” International Competition 2024
Until June 10, 2024, a commission composed of three members of the jury of the three instrumental sections will evaluate online the materials sent by the 555 competitors, and on June 14, 2024, the results of the preselection will be announced. The 150 young musicians considered eligible – the first 50 qualified in each of the three sections – are expected in Bucharest to support the preliminary stages of the Competition.
The first two stages of the competitions for the violin, cello and piano sections will be held at the Bucharest National University of Music, and the semi-finals and finals will take place at the Romanian Athenaeum, as follows:
Between September 1-10, 2024, the competition for the cello section will be held, with the semi-final scheduled for September 8 and the final for September 10, 2024. For the last stage, the three finalists will be accompanied by the National Radio Orchestra, at whose stand they will conductor Jonathan Bloxham.
Between September 7-16, 2024, the competition for the violin section will take place. On September 14, the semi-final will take place, and on September 16, conductor Alan Buribayev will take the lectern of the “George Enescu” Philharmonic and accompany the three qualified violinists in the Enescu Competition final.
During September 13-22, it will be possible to follow the competitors registered in the piano section. On Friday, September 20, the semi-final of the competition will take place, and Maestro Christian Reif, together with the “George Enescu” Philharmonic Orchestra, will accompany the three finalists on September 22.
Access to the first two stages of the competitions as well as access to the semi-finals is free, without the need for prior registration.
For the opening concert of the “Enescu” Competition, the finals with the orchestra and the gala concert on September 27, tickets have already gone on sale on the eventim.ro platform and ticket prices vary between 60 and 200 lei, with several types of tickets available tickets and subscriptions.
Students, pupils and teachers of music schools and universities throughout the country benefit from free access based on school and work ID, subject to availability.
Also, disabled people with their companions benefit from free access within the limits of available seats, according to the law.
* The “George Enescu” International Competition is an event held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania. Cultural project financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture.
