The 20th anniversary edition of the George Enescu International Competition sets two historic records: the highest number of entries (819) and the widest international participation in the event's history (58 countries), ARTEXIM announced on Friday, noting that this confirms the growing interest of young musicians worldwide in this platform for artistic excellence.

Of the 819 entries, 756 were submitted for the competition's instrumental sections - violin, cello, piano and composition - and 63 for the international masterclass programme, organised for the first time in this expanded format. ARTEXIM highlighted that this unprecedented interest confirms the appeal of both the competition and its educational component for the new generation of artists.

The largest numbers of entries came from China (152), South Korea (134), Romania (65), the United States (64) and Japan (50), followed by Italy (39), Germany (36), France (24), Russia (23), Spain (20), Poland (20) and Taiwan (19), along with participants from dozens of other countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Oceania and the Middle East.

Following the preselection stage, 150 young musicians - 50 each for piano, violin and cello - were invited to Bucharest for the live rounds, scheduled for August 29 - September 19.

The finals will take place with the National Radio Orchestra and the George Enescu Philharmonic, under internationally renowned conductors: Case Scaglione will lead the Cello Section Final with the National Radio Orchestra (Monday, September 7, 18:00); Harry Ogg will conduct the Violin Section Final with the George Enescu Philharmonic (Sunday, September 13, 18:00); Daniela Candillari will lead the Piano Section Final (Saturday, September 19, 18:00).

The 2026 George Enescu International Competition, held in Bucharest between August 23 and September 19, is one of the world's leading competitions dedicated to young musicians, bringing together established artists and emerging talents at each edition.

Organised by ARTEXIM, the anniversary edition carries the theme 'In Search of Excellence', reaffirming the competition's commitment to the highest standards of artistic performance.

Alongside the international masterclass programme, the competition offers participants the chance to perform on one of the most important stages of global classical music and to study with artists and professors who set today's benchmarks for interpretative excellence.

A cultural project financed by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Culture, the George Enescu International Competition is held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania. ArtProduction Foundation serves as co-organizer. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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