Film screening for our season pass holders: Budapest Festival Orchestra – The First 40 Year – a new documentary about the orchestra

At the beginning of the season, we welcome our subscribers with a special occasion: the premiere of the freshly completed documentary Budapest Festival Orchestra – The First 40 Years, which you will be among the very first to see on September 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s rehearsal hall (1034 Budapest, Selmeci utca 14–16). The screening is free of charge for our subscribers, but registration is required.

Budapest Festival Orchestra – The First 40 Years is more than just a film – it is a journey through time, guiding viewers across the orchestra’s four decades of history. With an intimate tone, the documentary brings to life the personal confessions, behind-the-scenes moments, and memories of the musicians and founders, painting a portrait of a world where art, community, and human connection play equally central roles. The camera captures not only the moments on stage but also the small, everyday details that shape the unique spirit of the BFO.

Iván Fischer and the participants in the film recall the beginnings, the unforgettable atmosphere of shared travels and rehearsals, the joy of musical discoveries, and the struggles they faced together. We learn how the orchestra grew into a defining presence in international concert life while maintaining its warmth, openness, and playfulness. Archival footage, concert scenes, and personal interviews are woven together to make the viewer not just a witness but a participant in this extraordinary story.

This is a film for those who love music, value perseverance, and are curious about what lies behind world-class performances – from the intimate sounds of the rehearsal room to the miracles born under the stage lights.

With this special screening, we would like to thank our subscribers for their continued commitment to the orchestra in the coming season. It is a wonderful feeling to have you with us, and we believe that, together, we will once again share unforgettable experiences through our concerts. Your support gives us the strength and inspiration to offer something extraordinary year after year.

We look forward to welcoming you to the screening in the BFO’s living room, our rehearsal hall! Please register using the same e-mail address you provided when purchasing your subscription.