Critic's choice
Budapest Festival Orchestra on Tour: World-Class Soloists and Iconic Concert Halls Across Continents
The Budapest Festival Orchestra embarks on a grandiose international tour cycle in early 2026, bringing its distinctive artistry to world-renowned concert halls across North America and Europe.
The touring period begins February 6–12 with performances in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, and Toronto’s Koerner Hall, showcasing a program of Arvo Pärt, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms only in NYC, followed by Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 3. The violin legend Maxim Vengerov appears as soloist in the Tchaikovsky concerto. The Mahler concerts feature acclaimed mezzo-soprano Gerhild Romberger, returning to the international stage to sing the vocal movements of the symphony, supported by local choirs In Boston and Toronto.
From March 21–25, the orchestra presents a Prokofiev program in Milan and Berlin, with performances at Teatro alla Scala and the Berliner Philharmonie. Russian-German pianist Igor Levit joins the ensemble, in Berlin performing all five Prokofiev piano concertos over three evenings, each night complemented by a different symphonic work under the baton of Iván Fischer.
In late spring, from May 20–28, the BFO continues its European journey with concerts in Amsterdam, Bruges, Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Oviedo, presenting programs that combine Schumann’s lyrical and introspective symphony with excerpts from Wagner’s operas, and in Bruges — the BFO’s annual residency — also featuring Bartók’s TheMiraculous Mandarin, that adds a strikingly modern Hungarian voice to these performances in some of Europe’s most distinguished concert halls.
Festival
Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad 2026 festival - From January 30 to February 7 2026
From January 30 to February 7, 2026, the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad launch the classical year with excellence and heart. Led by artistic director Renaud Capuçon, this 26th edition celebrates the violin with a daily recitalcompetition for young talents, mentored by Vadim Repin, and major concerts in Saanen and Rougemont.
The lineup includes Hélène Grimaud, Emmanuel Pahud, Pene Pati, Mao Fujita, and Clara-Jumi Kang, alongside renowned ensembles like the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Les Siècles.
An intimate, high-altitude festival not to bemissed.
Festival
George Enescu International Competition 2026
The 20th edition of the George Enescu International Competition has officially been launched. Registrations for the instrumental sections, violin, piano, and cello, are open until May 10, 2026, while applications for the Composition section will be accepted until June 30, 2026.
The 2026 edition reaffirms the core values that defined George Enescu’s life and work. Its four sections, violin, piano, cello, and composition, reflect the breadth of Enescu’s artistic legacy and creative vision.
A key new feature of this edition is the introduction of a Composition Masterclass, expanding the masterclass program initiated in 2024, which also includes Conducting, Instrumental Performance, and Advanced Music Study. All masterclasses are led by Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, Artistic Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition.
The competition’s motto, “In the Pursuit of Excellence,” encapsulates Enescu’s enduring philosophy, emphasizing dedication, authenticity, and artistic truth. Held biennially in Bucharest, the competition brings together outstanding young musicians from around the world and is guided by an internationally renowned jury.
Participants benefit from high-profile performance opportunities, including semi-finals and finals at the Romanian Athenaeum, broadcast live, as well as prestigious prizes such as engagements at the following edition of the George Enescu International Festival.