The Classix in Focus series puts into perspective a number of aspects closely related *or not* to classical music in the contemporary context and in relation to a suite of constantly evolving paradigms.

Cristina Uruc, Manager of Artexim and the Enescu Festival, will give a presentation on the opportunities of participating in prestigious international competitions and their contribution to the personal and professional development of young musicians. The George Enescu International Competition is a catalyst for the development and affirmation of young performers and composers on the international stage of classical music.

“The Enescu Festival is today one of the most important festivals in the world” Zubin Mehta, Honorary President of the Enescu Festival and Competition

Once every two years, thousands of musicians, the best orchestras and artists in the world delight the public with their concerts within the George Enescu International Festival. A complete cycle of George Enescu’s works, opera, concerts for the whole family, modern and contemporary music, world and Romanian premieres, together with the most inspiring selection of classical, romantic and baroque music reveals a truly unique event, made with love, generosity and excellence.

The George Enescu International Festival has been held in Bucharest since 1958, to honor and celebrate the memory, music and personality of the Romanian composer, pianist, violinist and conductor George Enescu – considered “the greatest musical phenomenon since Mozart”.

The festival started even in the first years of the communist regime. It reached its first peak in the years when Romania was a semi-detached member of the Soviet bloc and was therefore more open to Western artists compared to most Eastern European countries. Only the festivals in Yugoslavia were able to present the best musicians from both blocs in the same way.

And it became what it is today: one of the most important international classical music events worldwide, organized by Romania.

The artistic directors and honorary presidents of the festival have included great names in the world of classical music throughout its fascinating history – such as Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Lawrence Foster, Cristian Mandeal, Ioan Holender and Vladimir Jurowski.