Conductor Kent Nagano | George Enescu Philharmonic’s Talks with Artists

“Classical music is one of the original forms of nondiscrimination. Either you can play the notes well or you can’t. No compromise,” told us celebrated conductor Kent Nagano ahead of the GE Phil’s 2025–2026 Season Opening Gala. Looking back now, his words could hardly have been more prophetic about the way our Season unfolded: artistically rich, intensely emotional, uncompromisingly executed. The acclaimed conductor came to the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest for the first time to lead the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra into a new Season, in two sold-out performances of Enescu, Beethoven, and Stravinsky, featuring violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann. Serene and gracious despite the terrible storm he had crossed to make it to our interview, Maestro Kent Nagano took the time to talk in depth about the lasting influence of the musical education he received in his youth; the challenge of moving slowly, with intention, in art and in life, in a world that seems to move ever faster; whether AI-generated classical music was worth either the hype or the concern; and the elusive notion of “enough” in our times. Now, having just closed the 2025/26 Season, we invite you to watch our conversation with Maestro Nagano, if only to decide whether we honored his advice. “Give only the very best to the public, because the public knows the difference,” he said. We truly took his words to heart. For more information, visit https://filarmonicaenescu.ro/en Stay connected with us: Facebook:   / filarmonica.george.enescu   Instagram:   / filarmonicaenescu