Published on
August 23, 2025
From August 24 to September 21, 2025, the world’s leading classical music enthusiasts will converge in Bucharest, Brasov, and Targu Mures, Romania, for the 27th edition of the George Enescu International Festival. Dedicated to honoring Romania’s greatest composer, George Enescu, this festival will bring together over four thousand artists from twenty-eight countries, including top orchestras, soloists, and conductors, for a month-long celebration of classical music.
The festival, under the artistic direction of renowned conductor Cristian Măcelaru, promises to deliver more than forty-five performances, featuring works by Enescu, as well as other classical greats such as Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Fauré, and Johann Sebastian Bach. This prestigious event is expected to not only captivate music lovers but also provide a significant boost to tourism in Romania.
A Tribute to George Enescu and Other Legendary Composers
One of the major highlights of the George Enescu International Festival 2025 will be a tribute to Enescu’s legacy, marking the seventieth anniversary of his passing. The festival will showcase an exceptional program that includes symphonies, orchestral suites, chamber music, and his monumental opera Oedipe, to be performed by the Bucharest National Opera. In addition to Enescu’s work, the festival will celebrate the milestones of several legendary composers, such as Maurice Ravel (one hundred fifty years since his birth), Gabriel Fauré (one hundred eighty years since his birth), Pierre Boulez (hundred years since his birth), Arvo Pärt (ninety years since his birth), and Dmitri Shostakovich (fifty years since his passing). The festival offers a rich mix of musical heritage, and the performances will reflect Enescu’s profound influence on Romanian and global classical music. This tribute to Enescu and other musical luminaries will undoubtedly make the festival a must-visit event for classical music aficionados worldwide.
A Gathering of World-Class Orchestras and Soloists
The 2025 edition of the George Enescu International Festival will feature more than eighty orchestras, choirs, and chamber ensembles from across the globe. Some of the world’s finest orchestras, including the Orchestre National de France, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, will perform under the baton of acclaimed conductors such as Cristian Măcelaru, Klaus Mäkelä, and Paavo Järvi.
The festival will also welcome renowned soloists, including violinists Anne-Sophie Mutter, Isabelle Faust, and Nemanja Radulović, as well as pianists Martha Argerich, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Kirill Gerstein. These exceptional musicians will perform alongside world-class orchestras, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for all attendees.
In addition, the festival will feature prominent opera soloists, including sopranos Asmik Grigorian, Sonya Yoncheva, and Ailyn Pérez, offering a broad spectrum of musical genres for audiences to enjoy. This star-studded lineup will draw tourists from all over the world, helping to solidify Romania as a key destination for international music tourism.
Boosting Tourism in Romania
The George Enescu International Festival is not only a celebration of classical music but also a major driver of tourism in Romania. The influx of over four thousand international artists and the global audience this festival attracts will have a significant impact on the country’s tourism sector. With performances taking place in major cities like Bucharest, Brasov, and Targu Mures, the festival will bring visitors to Romania from across Europe and beyond, generating revenue for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions.
Beyond the performances, the festival offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Romania. Tourists will have the chance to visit Romania’s historical landmarks, experience its vibrant culture, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the country, particularly in the picturesque cities of Brasov and Targu Mures. The festival’s offerings will undoubtedly enhance Romania’s appeal as a tourism destination, particularly for those passionate about arts and culture.
Special Programs for Young Audiences
In addition to the high-profile performances, the festival offers special initiatives aimed at young audiences, such as the Enescu in Control program. With affordable tickets available to students, the festival encourages the next generation of classical music lovers to attend, making classical music more accessible and fostering the growth of Romania’s cultural tourism.
A Cultural Landmark Under High Patronage
The George Enescu International Festival is held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania, further emphasizing its importance to the nation’s cultural identity and its potential to influence global tourism trends. The event is funded by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Culture, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that promote Romania on the international stage. The 2025 George Enescu International Festival promises to be an unmissable event for classical music enthusiasts, offering world-class performances in some of Romania’s most iconic cities. The festival will not only celebrate the legacy of George Enescu but will also contribute significantly to Romania’s tourism industry, bringing global attention to the country’s cultural offerings and making it a key destination for arts tourism.
