The Budapest Festival Orchestra is considered one of Hungary’s top and appreciated orchestras. Since its founding by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis in 1983, the orchestra has built a reputation for its great playing and impassioned concerts. For many years, the BFO has become both a leading group in Hungary and a popular player in international classical music. In the following article, you will meet a number of members of the BFO, learning about what they do in this unique orchestra.

1. Iván Fischer – Conductor and Founder

Iván Fischer is both the founder of the Budapest Festival Orchestra and its main conductor. Though he directs the orchestra, he is also the leader who has helped the ensemble develop its special style since its founding. It is largely thanks to Fischer that the orchestra has enjoyed so many successful performances in major cities around the world. Thanks to his respect for details and creativity, people from around the world consider him one of the top conductors working in classical music.

Fischer’s technique is impressive and what he does with that talent is infuse each piece with powerful emotion, bringing a fresh view to these compositions. Being able to adapt in this way has made the BFO famous around the world. One aspect of his leadership is a focus on examining works not widely performed, as well as shining new light on the great classics.

Suggestion: Take a look at Fischer’s masterclasses.

People who want to learn how to conduct should definitely check out Fischer’s masterclass clips on the internet. Anyone wanting to become a conductor or simply enjoy music will find his wisdom and methods helpful. You can learn how Lebrecht thinks about preparing for and performing music through these classes.

2. Zoltán Kocsis co-founded the choir and once acted as its music director.

One of Hungary’s top pianists, Zoltán Kocsis, founded the Budapest Festival Orchestra alongside Iván Fischer. He became known as a musically talented virtuoso who showed a strong connection to Hungarian music tradition. While we mourn his loss, the orchestra continues to benefit from Kocsis’s important role in its formation and music directions.

As music director before, Kocsis contributed to the orchestra’s high level of performance and passion for excellence with music. Because of his leadership, the orchestra grew a reputation at home and internationally during its beginnings.

An Interesting Note: Kocsis Gets Honored

Not only did he work with the BFO, but Zoltán Kocsis was highly praised for his striking solo concerts and recordings, mostly of Hungarian music, including compositions by Béla Bartók and Franz Liszt. Because of the way he thought about these composers, Hirsch’s recordings have become standards that inspire musicians worldwide.

3. Principal Musicians

The Budapest Festival Orchestra features outstanding musicians whose tastes and abilities make the orchestra’s sound even stronger. Each member in the principal group is responsible for leading their section and for making their performance stand out. Let me present you with three principal BFO musicians whose musical contribution is valuable to the orchestra’s unique sound:

3.1. Tamás Árdi is the Concertmaster of the Szeged Music Centre.

As concertmaster of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, Tamás Árdi takes the lead of the orchestra’s string musicians. As concertmaster, he helps form the special quality of the orchestra and also serves as a link for the conductor with the musicians. His role keeps the strings unified, one of the most important aspects in giving an orchestra its desired musical sound.

The clarity and brightness in an orchestra come from Ardi’s playing and she often leads the music as the soloist. It is important to a conductor’s vision that the musicians understand how to achieve their best performance.

3.2. János Bálint plays principal flute in the orchestra.

János Bálint is considered one of the best at playing the flute because he is principal flutist at the BFO. The orchestra’s special sound is greatly enhanced by the great musicianship of its principal flutist. Important melodies and main ideas are regularly carried by the flute in music and Bálint delivers them with a soft touch for every listener to hear.

He is successful at combining perfection in woodwind technique and adding feeling to the ensemble.

3.3. Ferenc is the Principal Clarinetist in the orchestra.

Ferenc Tarjáni’s music and way of working keep the woodwind section happy and excited. Clarinet music can sound light and gentle or full and vivid and Tarjáni adapts this, giving the orchestra’s music fresh colors.

Being so talented at music makes it easier for the team to tell the musical story better which helps every part of it shine.

3.4. The symphony’s cellos are conducted by Tamás Detrich.

The main thing most people know about Tamás Detrich is that he is the principal cellist of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Once you add the cello, the 

orchestra’s music becomes both gentler and more colorful when the music is combined in symphony. When it comes to the emotional part of an orchestra, the cello frequently makes a mark and Detrich’s playing emphasizes the way the group plays.

Because of his talents, BFO is appreciated for touching and lively music played in front of many people.

4. Working with talented musicians we don’t know yet

In addition to its main artist group, the orchestra often works with well-known guest artists and conductors. Partnering with other ensembles introduces novel approaches and makes it easier for the orchestra to perform many different musical genres. With guest artists there are often new and inventive approaches which motivate the orchestra to give excellent and creative concerts.

Works like this give the BFO a chance to go beyond their main repertoire, broadening the range of music everyone enjoys.

A good think to try is going to live performances.

I strongly urge you to see the Budapest Festival Orchestra give a live show, whether it is with its main members alone or with invited artists. The orchestra’s strong energy, attention to detail and enthusiasm guarantee a great experience for music fans. Because every concert features the close connection among the conductor, soloists and orchestra, each event is something unique.

Conclusion

Under the direction of Iván Fischer, the Budapest Festival Orchestra is famous for its outstanding music as well as exciting shows. The special sound of the orchestra is thanks in part to Zoltán Kocsis and its principal musicians, who all contribute their talents. Having guest performers adds depth to what the orchestra plays. Any music lover or aspiring musician should discover the Budapest Festival Orchestra, because it is a true adventure. The BFO’s dedication to outstanding music always impresses people around the world, helping it maintain a position among the world’s best orchestras.