Bucharest, 15 May – BRD Groupe Société Générale joins the most important international cultural event organized in Romania, the George Enescu International Festival, marking the beginning of a new stage in the festival’s development. It endeavors to democratize access to classical music and open it up to the younger generation. Already known as a patron of the arts on the Romanian cultural scene, BRD aims to bring new experiences to the public over the next four years, with the partnership covering the 2023, 2025 and 2027 editions.
“«Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent». Victor Hugo said it, which I think perfectly captures the essence of classical music. However, on the occasion of this “melodious” announcement, I will have to resort to words: starting this year, we have the honor of being the main partners of the George Enescu Festival, a true cultural phenomenon that transcends borders thanks to the power of classical music, the echoes of the great composer’s mastery and the thousands of musicians who participate. As patrons of the arts, BRD and Société Générale have a three-decade tradition, the Enescu Festival a six-decade tradition, thus we have the experience to achieve what we set out to do – not only to bring classical music to as many people as possible, but also to convince the younger generation to enter its universe”, said François Bloch, General Director BRD Groupe Société Générale.
“One of the fundamental values in which George Enescu believed is generosity. We have built the 2023 edition of the Enescu Festival around this theme of generosity through music, so the partnership with BRD Groupe Société Générale, a relevant and traditional promoter of culture, complements our mission.
The essence of the world seen from a child’s perspective I think is the purest. Thus, I believe it is important for us to play our part in giving artistic creation to the broader public and especially to children, which is why we have initiated a series of concerts dedicated to families and children. Together with BRD we will be able to go further, to reach people who have never been in contact with the Enescu Festival before.”, stated Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, Artistic Director of the George Enescu Festival and Music Director of the French National Orchestra.
“This year’s edition is marked by a number of new features for the Enescu Festival. We are entering a new phase under the leadership of Maestro Măcelaru as Artistic Director, we have a new management team at Artexim, the organizer of the Festival for over 30 years, and, we are happy to announce today, we have a new main partner. We have discovered a great openness towards culture on the part of BRD and we look forward to the projects we are preparing together. It is extremely important to have with us for the next editions of the Enescu Festival a partner with whom we share the same values”, underlined Cristina Uruc, Interim Manager manager Artexim.
The partnership was announced at an event that included a dialogue between Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, François Bloch and Cristina Uruc. The three detailed their objectives for this year’s festival, which runs from 27 August to 24 September.
About BRD – Groupe Société Générale
BRD – Groupe Société Générale is Romania’s third largest bank and the country’s largest private banking network. A universal bank offering services to both individuals and companies, BRD is part of Groupe Société Générale, one of Europe’s largest financial services groups.
As a social player, BRD invests in culture, education, technology and sport, supporting projects that build, develop, raise a new generation and bring long-term value. BRD sees culture and education as essential pillars of society’s development, encouraging innovative projects with the potential to be recognised and appreciated by the younger generation. It is under this vision that Fundatia9 was created, which coordinates the cultural journalism platform Scena9, as well as the BRD Scena9 Residency Cultural Centre in Bucharest. In culture, the bank invests in classical music and contemporary art projects. In education, BRD has created Școala9, a specialised journalism platform, and supports programmes that support the work of teachers in the formal system, as well as plans, ideas and projects in the field of innovation and technology. The newest journalism platform launched by BRD is Mindcraft Stories, which aims to open a conversation about breakthroughs in Romania and around the world, how technology touches our lives, artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine and more.
About George Enescu Festival
The George Enescu International Festival is one of the most important classical music events at the international level, organized since 1958. The 26th edition of the festival takes place between August 27 and September 24, under the slogan “Generosity through music”| “Generosity through music”.
The festival program includes more than 3,500 of the world’s most famous artists, more than 40 orchestras from 16 countries, first-hearing opera works and educational concerts for children. Tickets and details available at https://www.festivalenescu.ro/.
