Learn more about the 20th edition of the George Enescu International Competition, one of the world’s major leading classical music competitions, taking place from 23 August to 19 September 2026 in Bucharest, Romania. The Competition is open to the disciplines of Violin, Cello, Piano and Composition, welcoming the most promising young musicians from around the globe
George Enescu International Competition – 20th Edition
23 August – 19 September 2026 | Bucharest, Romania
About the George Enescu International Competition
Founded in 1958, the George Enescu International Competition honours the legacy of the great Romanian composer, violinist, pianist, and conductor George Enescu. Inspired by Enescu’s lifelong commitment to supporting young artists through scholarships and artistic mentorship, the Competition has become one of the most prestigious international platforms for launching world-class musical careers.
Held biennially, the Competition alternates with the George Enescu International Festival. First-prize winners are invited to perform as soloists in the subsequent Festival edition, alongside internationally renowned orchestras and conductors. Over the decades, Enescu Competition laureates have built exceptional international careers while maintaining a strong artistic bond with Romania and Enescu’s music.
The Competition takes place under the High Patronage of the President of Romania and is a cultural project funded by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Culture, organised by Artexim.
Artistic Direction
Cristian Măcelaru, Artistic Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition, states:
’The 2026 George Enescu International Competition and Masterclass is themed “Pursuit of Excellence.” This is both a challenge and an invitation from us to you: to achieve your personal best and to join us in Bucharest, Romania, to celebrate not just the beautiful music that we all love, but also the core concept of the Pursuit of Excellence.
’We all strive to create a better version of ourselves, and music is the language with which we are able to reach others around us. Join us in Bucharest in August and September 2026 to achieve this wonderful vision.’
Competition Structure and Disciplines
Since 2009, the Cello section has complemented the Violin, Piano, and Composition disciplines. The current structure of the Competition includes the following sections:
- Violin
- Cello
- Piano
- Composition
Beginning with the 2024 edition, the Competition also features a Conducting Masterclass, led by Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, further expanding its educational and artistic mission.
Venues and Public Access
The George Enescu International Competition is also a major public cultural event.
- Rounds I and II take place at the National University of Music in Bucharest.
- The Semi-finals and Finals are held at the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, offering audiences direct access to the artistic evolution of the contestants on one of Europe’s most prestigious concert stages.
International Recognition
The George Enescu International Competition has been a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) since 2002 and of the Alink–Argerich Foundation since 2006, making it the only classical music competition in Romania organised in accordance with these international standards.
PRIZES
Violin, Cello, and Piano Sections
1st Prize – €15,000 net
2nd Prize – €10,000 net
3rd Prize – €5,000 net
Composition Section
Symphonic Music Prize – €10,000 net
Chamber Music Prize – €7,000 net
Special Prize for Originality – €5,000 net
Special Prizes
Violin Section:
Ștefan and Valentin Gheorghiu Prize for the best performance of a Sonata by George Enescu – €3,000 net
Prize for the best performance of the imposed work – €2,000 net
Audience Prize – €1,000 net
Cello Section:
Serafim Antropov-Manu Prize for the best performance of Sonata No. 2 in C major for cello and piano, Op. 26 by George Enescu – €3,000 net
Prize for the best performance of the imposed work – €2,000 net
Audience Prize – €1,000 net
Piano Section:
Radu Lupu Prize for the best performance of a work by George Enescu – €3,000 net
Prize for the best performance of the imposed work – €2,000 net
Audience Prize – €1,000 net
Other Prizes:
Concerts (during the 2027 and 2028 editions of the Festival and Competition and in concert seasons in Romania, 2026–2028)
Career guidance and mentorship
Artistic representation
Prizes offered by partners and sponsors, which may be combined with the organiser’s prizes
The application deadline is 10 May 2026 for all instruments and 30 June 2026 for the composition section. Find out more here.
No comments yet