A great concert is always a gift. But what is hidden inside the packaging? The Festival Orchestra’s Christmas concert is the biggest musical surprise during the holidays. Never out of ideas, Iván Fischer creates a program each year, not to be disclosed in advance, that makes maximum use of the ensemble’s versatility, and sometimes even of the characteristics of the environment. It will never become boring, since the excellent musicians of the BFO perform alternately as orchestra players, chamber musicians or soloists in the most diverse genres and styles. This evening may feature Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary pieces, as well as jazz, klezmer or folk music. At the end of every year, the power of surprise, the delight of enjoying the usual high standard and the celebratory atmosphere bring to audiences the experience called “the most beautiful Christmas present” in one comment.