Romania hosts its 26th George Enescu music Festival

Every two years, for almost all of September, Bucharest welcomes some of the world's major orchestras and soloists in tribute to George Enescu.

He was arguably Romania's greatest composer, musician and conductor who lived from 1881 to 1955, and three years later the first festival took place.

This year the 26th edition opened in the communist era Palace Hall on August 27th where one of the world's greatest cellists, Frenchman Gautier Capuçon was guest of honour.

He's been playing under the direction of Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru, who is also the director of France's National Orchestra. 

The George Enescu Symphony Orchestra accompanied the soloist in its performance of  Opus 104 by Dvořák .

Euronews caught up with the guest of honour, who is a regular at the festival.

"It's the first time I've played with an orchestra here, a Romanian one, and then I'm all the more honoured that I open this edition this year with the conductor Cristian Măcelaru ," he said.

The nineteenth century, neo-classical Romanian Athenaeum is Bucharest's most prestigious concert venue.

It was restored after decades of neglect under the dictator Nicolae Ceacescu who was toppled in 1989 and is a stark contrast to Palace Hall.

"To be able to show to the world what our best self is, I think it's important. At the same time, it benefits Romania because we invite this year close to 3500 artists," Cristian Măcelaru, who is also the festival's artistic director, said.

"It's beautiful because it brings new life and new energy into the culture in Romania as well," he added.

Dozens of concerts are being performed.

The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle, performed Mahler’s Ninth Symphony and will go on to stage Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie