In an evening dedicated to European cultural unity and the power of music to build bridges between people and nations, the 27th edition of the George Enescu International Festival brings to the fore one of the most emblematic works of European musical heritage: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 by Ludwig van Beethoven, known throughout the world for its famous finale — Ode to Joy , which has become a symbol of European unity.

The concert will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM, at the Palace Hall, supported by the Romanian Youth Orchestra and the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Choir, under the baton of conductor Christian Reif , alongside famous and prestigious international soloists: Ailyn Pérez (soprano), Judit Kutasi (mezzo-soprano), Maximilian Schmitt (tenor) and Soloman Howard (bass). In the same program, the renowned pianist Simon Trpčeski – an always expected presence at the George Enescu International Competition and Festival – will perform the Concerto in A minor for piano and orchestra, op. 16 by Edvard Grieg.

The George Enescu International Festival continues to bring international artistic excellence to Romanian stages, reaffirming music as a universal bond between cultures, nations and generations. In a Europe in a perpetual rediscovery of its own roots, this concert becomes a true celebration of the values ​​that unite us beyond borders: harmony, solidarity, freedom and beauty.

Cristian Macelaru,

artistic director of the George Enescu International Festival

The concert is organized in partnership with the European Commission Representation in Romania, as part of a joint initiative to celebrate European cultural values ​​and the power of music to create connections between people and nations. The Representation's association with this symbolic event underlines the European Union's commitment to intercultural dialogue and the promotion of unity through art.

We are happy to be part of an event that brings together, through music, the values ​​we believe in: unity, diversity and solidarity. The Ode to Joy, chosen as the anthem of the European Union, remains a common language of peace and shared humanity, reminding us that Europe is not just a political project, but also a community of souls connected by culture. This concert is an invitation to hope and closeness in a Europe of people.

Ramona Chiriac,

Head of the European Commission Representation in Romania

The evening will begin with the piano concerto by Edvard Grieg, performed by pianist Simon Trpčeski , a Macedonian artist acclaimed on the stages of major European festivals and a frequent collaborator of the London Symphony, the New York Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw. ​​Known for his overflowing energy, authentic lyricism and direct contact with the audience, Trpčeski manages to bring a fresh breath to the interpretation of romantic masterpieces.

The highlight of the evening is Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, a work that transcended the boundaries of music to become a manifesto of universal peace and brotherhood. The finale – Ode to Joy , to the lyrics of Friedrich Schiller – is a spiritual and civic anthem at the same time, celebrating fundamental European values: freedom, human dignity, solidarity.

Alongside the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Choir , trained by maestro Iosef Ion Prunner, four exceptional voices will perform: Ailyn Pérez - American soprano of Mexican origin, awarded the Opera News Award, known for her luminous timbre and versatility, with appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House and Teatro alla Scala, Judit Kutasi - Romanian-Hungarian mezzo-soprano, acclaimed in the great European theaters for her expressive force and interpretative refinement, especially appreciated in the Verdian and Wagnerian repertoire, Maximilian Schmitt - German tenor, with a brilliant career in the Mozartian and Beethovenian repertoire, noted for his clarity of phrasing and dramatic intensity and Soloman Howard - American bass with an imposing voice and a striking stage presence, acclaimed for his roles at the Washington National Opera and in the great opera productions in Europe and the USA.

German conductor Christian Reif is considered a visionary of the new generation. Appreciated for his empathetic, clear and deeply articulate style, Reif has conducted prestigious ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, the Münchner Rundfunkorchester or the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In his interpretation, the music breathes and becomes a space for sincere communication between artists and audience. Last year, Reif won a 2024 GRAMMY® Award for the album Walking in the Dark , made with the soprano Julia Bullock, his wife, and the Philharmonia Orchestra in London.

The Romanian Youth Orchestra , founded by maestro Cristian Mandeal, represents one of the most valuable Romanian musical initiatives of the last decades. Made up of the most promising young musicians in the country, the orchestra has become a cultural ambassador of Romania in the world and a living expression of European values: education, excellence and cooperation between generations.

Tickets for the concerts within the George Enescu International Festival can be purchased both online, from the Eventim.ro platform, https://www.cts.eventim.ro/artist/festivalul-george-enescu , and in physical format, from the Carrefour hypermarket network and the Cărturești and Humanitas bookstore chains.

Tickets for the concert at the Palace Hall are divided into six categories: VIP – 280 lei, Category 1 – 250 lei, Category 2 – 200 lei, Category 3 – 150 lei, Category 4 – 120 lei, reduced tickets for pupils/students/pensioners – 90 lei.

The organizers reserve the right to modify the programs. Please visit the George Enescu International Festival website, http://www.festivalenescu.ro/ , to stay up to date with the latest information.

About the George Enescu International Festival

The George Enescu International Festival is one of the largest classical music events in the world, organized since 1958. The 27th edition takes place between August 24 and September 21, 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the death of the great Romanian composer and musician, George Enescu. This year's theme is " Anniversaries / Celebrations ", and the program includes over 95 concerts performed by over 4,000 of the world's most renowned artists, which will bring to the fore both Enescu's artistic legacy and his profound impact on universal classical music.

♫ trailer festival: https://youtu.be/yMxcqyqifCM?si=wx32lFirvG-1kfGF

The George Enescu International Festival is an event held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania.

Cultural project funded by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Culture.

Organizer: ARTEXIM

Co-organizer: ArtProduction Foundation

Co-producers: Romanian Broadcasting Company, Romanian Television Company, Bucharest City Hall through ARCUB – Cultural Center of Bucharest

Main partners: Rompetrol – KMG International, BRD – Groupe Société Générale, JTI – Immersive Experience (innovation partner), Lexus (mobility partner)

Partners: Purcari, FERRERO, Mobexpert, One United Properties, Orange, Nazzuro Aqua, L'OR, Althaus, Liliana and Peter Ilica Foundation, Senia Music

With the support of: BIGOTTI, Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații, SANADOR

Institutional partners: Odeon Theater

Monitoring partner: mediaTRUST

Details for the press:

For additional information, interviews or images from the event, please contact the festival's communications department.

CONTACT:

Bianca Boitan-Rusu

Media Relations Coordinator

ARTEXIM – George Enescu International Festival & Competition

www.festivalenescu.ro | www.artexim.ro |

Tel +4021 317 80 81/83 | Mob +40 732 642 164