Cristian Macelaru, Cristina Comandasu & Remy Franck
(c) Ioana Chirita

Conductor Cristian Macelaru and the Orchestre National de France, together with the Radio France Choir, are among the 2025 winners in the Symphonic Music category for their DG recording of orchestral works by Georges Enescu, including the Romanian Rhapsodies and Symphonies Nos. 1-3. The prize has now been presented by jury president Remy Franck and jury member Cristina Comandasu from Radio Romania Muzical.

The ceremony took place at the end of a concert by the Orchestre National de France under Macelaru at the Palatului in Bucharest in front of the impressive backdrop of 3000 spectators who filled the hall for this Enescu Festival concert.

Cristian Macelaru, Cristina Comandasu & Remy Franck
(c) Ioana Chirita

At the same concert, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter was honored by the festival for her musical achievements. Among other things, she said: « I am deeply honored to have received the very first Award of Excellence ever presented by the Enescu Festival (…)

It was a particular joy to share the evening with conductor Cristian Macelaru and the Orchestre National de France, who were awarded the Symphonic Music Award by the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA) for their extraordinary album George Enescu, released on Deutsche Grammophon. Congratulations to Cristian and his wonderful orchestra on this well-deserved recognition! Special thanks to Mr. Remy Franck, president of the ICMA jury, and to Cristina Comandașu, jury member, for presenting the award and for their tireless commitment to classical music. »