The first Romanian Composer whose music belongs to the universal cultural heritage
George Enescu, the first Romanian composer who crossed the threshold into the universal cultural heritage, loved equally the cockcrow, the folkloric tones and the thrilling Wagnerian chords. Furthermore, he merged them inimitably and miraculously in his creation, making possible this way not only his ascend from national to universal, but also his worldwide recognition amongst the greatest composers in the world.
George Enescu International Festival and Competition was established in 1958 as a sign of recognition towards its genius, to comemorate the life and creation of the great Romanian composer. The official opening day of the festival took place on September 4th 1958, merely three years after George Enescu’s passing, thus marking the official debut of the most important international musical manifestation hosted by Romania.