Distinguished musicians Kent Nagano, Gidon Kremer, Leonidas Kavakos, and Kirill Gerstein are set to collaborate with the George Enescu Philharmonic in Bucharest for performances during the upcoming concert season.
George Enescu Philharmonic Announces 2025-2026 Season
The George Enescu Philharmonic in Bucharest is set to embark on an exciting new symphonic season, starting on October 2 and 3, 2025. This season promises a distinguished lineup, featuring over 70 conductors and soloists, including many making their first appearance in the institution's artistic programming.
The season opens with two concerts featuring Kent Nagano and Frank Peter Zimmermann, with The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky as a highlight. Other notable performances include Gustav Mahler's Symphony no. 3, to be conducted by Roberto Trevino on November 13/14, with mezzo-soprano Justina Gringyte.
In homage to George Enescu, who passed away 70 years ago, the season will feature a significant focus on his compositions. The program includes several of his works, such as the Concert Overture on Themes in Romanian Folk Character, op. 32; Triumphal Overture; Symphony Concertante in B minor for cello and orchestra, op. 8; Rhapsody no. 2, in D major, op. 11; The Voice of Nature; and Symphony No. 3, in C major, op. 21.
The season will also showcase a variety of contemporary music, including Mihaela Vosganian's Broken, Bernard Herrmann's Adagietto from the film The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Gara Garayev's Symphonic Engravings Don Quichotte, George Gershwin's Strike up the Band Overture, and Cindy McTee's Circuits.
Notable Romanian musicians performing include Mihai Ritivoiu, Andrei Gologan, Valentin Șerban, and Ștefan Cazacu. International stars such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Isabelle Faust, Martha Argerich, Kirill Gerstein, and others will also grace the stage.
The chamber music season will open with a recital by Mihai Ritivoiu on October 1. Season tickets will be available for purchase between August 1 and September 10, with regular tickets becoming available from September 15.
The George Enescu Philharmonic will also present Cuib by Diana Rotaru, a special commission made by the Philharmonic, in its first-ever performance at the Romanian Athenaeum. Other notable performances include Joseph Haydn's Oratorio Creation, scheduled for April 8/9, 2026, under the baton of Paul McCreesh.
The season will conclude with Anton Bruckner's Te Deum, conducted by Daniele Rustioni, marking the close of the 2025-2026 season.
Under the artistic direction of renowned conductor Cristian Măcelaru, the season promises to be a vibrant and significant one, continuing the Philharmonic's commitment to celebrating Enescu's legacy and showcasing both classic and contemporary music.
- The chamber music season, opening with a recital by Mihai Ritivoiu, will provide a platform for contemporary music, such as Cindy McTee's Circuits and Diana Rotaru's Cuib, which will have its first-ever performance at the Romanian Athenaeum.
- The season, under the artistic direction of Cristian Măcelaru, will not only feature prominent classical pieces from composers like Igor Stravinsky, Gustav Mahler, and George Enescu but also incorporate elements of music entertainment, such as the memorable performances by international stars like Anne-Sophie Mutter and Martha Argerich.
