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The George Enescu International Competition continues to bring together young artists pursuing excellence, who shape their artistic identity through discipline, passion, and commitment.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Imagine yourself on the stage of the historic Romanian Athenaeum, following in the footsteps of laureates like Zlatomir Fung, Josu de Solaun, and Nemanja Radulović. Under the artistic direction of Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, the 2026 edition, themed „In Pursuit of Excellence”, is not just a competition; it is a global launchpad designed to catapult your artistry onto the world stage.
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Beyond the prestige of a 20th-anniversary edition win, the Enescu Competition offers a transformative package of rewards:
Financial Awards: Total prize money exceeding €150,000, with €15,000 awarded to the First Prize winner in each instrumental section.
The Ultimate Debut: First-prize winners will be invited to perform as soloists in the 2027 edition of the world-renowned George Enescu International Festival.
Global Visibility: Perform for a jury of estemed musicians and pedagogues, including Lilya Zilberstein (Piano), Mihaela Martin (Violin), and Arto Noras (Cello).
Special Awards: Compete for the Radu Lupu Prize (€3,000), the Audience Award (€1,000), and the Best Performance of the Imposed Work (€2,000).
Mentorship: Gain access to all the workshops designed for today’s modern musician.
The Competition Calendar
Cello Section: August 29 – September 7
Violin Section: September 4 – 13
Piano Section: September 10 – 19
