Historic record of competitors entered in the instrumental sections of this year’s George Enescu International Competition
Registrations for the cello, violin and piano sections of the 19th edition of the George Enescu International Competition, which will be held in Bucharest from August 31st to September 27th, 2024, have recently ended. 555 young musicians from 57 countries applied to the Enescu Competition, setting a historic record in terms of participation in this prestigious international competition, a cultural project financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture which is 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 registrations continue until June 30th, 2024 for the composition section and the masterclass of conducting, instrumental interpretation and advanced music study, led by maestro Cristian Măcelaru, therefore the organizers of the Enescu Competition are expecting on a new record of participation.
We are extremely pleased to announce a record number of 555 competitors registered for the 19th edition of the George Enescu International Competition. This extraordinary participation, with candidates from 57 countries, underlines the ever-growing international prestige of the Enescu Competition. 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 happy 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.
Conductor Cristian Măcelaru, the artistic director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition
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 maestro Cristian Măcelaru, artistic director, and Mrs. Cristina Uruc, ARTEXIM manager, organizer of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition, for their significant contribution to the promotion of Romanian culture !
Raluca Turcan, 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 stage of pre-selection of 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 look forward to registrations for the composition section and for the new masterclass in conducting, instrumental interpretation and deepening the study of music, held by maestro Cristian Măcelaru. The deadline for these entries is June 30.
Cristina Uruc, ARTEXIM Manager, organizer of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition
National cultural brand and strategic cultural project for Romania, the George Enescu International Festival and Competition is financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture and organized by ARTEXIM.
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 participate in the preliminary stages of the Competition.
The first two stages of the competitions for the violin, cello and piano sections will take place 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 rounds for the cello section will take place, with the semi-final scheduled for September 8th and the final for September 10th, 2024. For the last stage, the three finalists will be accompanied by the National Radio Orchestra, at whose stand they will conductor Jonathan Bloxham .
For the violin section, the rounds will take place between September 7- 16. The semi-final will take place on September 14, and the final round on September 16, both in the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum. Conductor Alan Buribayev will lead the “George Enescu” Philharmonic, accompanying the three finalists in the Enescu Competition final.
During the period 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.
Tickets have already gone on sale for the opening concert of the Enescu Competition, the finals with the orchestra and the gala concert on September 27, on the eventim.ro and ticket prices vary between 60 and 200 lei, with several types of tickets available and subscriptions: https://www.cts.eventim.ro/eventseries/concurs-international-george-enescu-2024-3627790 .
Students and teachers of music schools and universities from all over the country benefit from free access based on their school and work ID, subject to availability.
Also, people with disabilities and their companions benefit from free access within the limits of available seats, according to the Romanian 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.
Organizer: ARTEXIM
Co-organizer: ArtProduction Foundation
Co-producers: Romanian Broadcasting Society, Romanian Television Society, Bucharest City Hall – ARCUB
Main partner: Rompetrol
Partners: Purcari, Senia Music, La Mama, Althaus, SANADOR
Institutional partners: “George Enescu” Philharmonic, National University of Music in Bucharest
Legal services partner: Țuca Zbârcea and Associates
Mobility partner: Blue
With the support of: AALR, Paradigma Film, Bucharest Airports National Company
Monitoring partner: MediaTrust