The story of the Budapest Festival Orchestra started on December 26, 1983, at the Liszt Academy. Everyone thinks back on that very first special concert as an experience unlike any other, unleashing explosive energies never seen before at a performance by a symphony orchestra. The atmosphere was indescribable!

Now, forty years later, we are thrilled to invite our audience to join us at our Jubilee Surprise Concert, which will be a unique concert, truly unlike any other. At our Surprise Concerts, our musicians perform alternately as orchestra players, chamber musicians or soloists in the most diverse genres and styles. This evening might feature Baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary pieces, as well as jazz, klezmer, or folk music. Iván Fischer magically brings all of this together with his inexhaustible set of ideas.

The trust and love we receive together at the end of each year lift us up. For us, the most wonderful birthday present is to be able to make music for you. Let’s celebrate together!