Budapest Festival Orchestra

The BFO has earned its place among the world's top ten orchestras and performs regularly at prestigious venues globally, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Musikverein, Royal Albert Hall, and Barbican Centre. They have also been invited to various international festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, and Mostly Mozart Festival. The BFO has received numerous accolades, including two Gramophone Awards, a Diapason d'Or, and the Italian Toblacher Komponierhäuschen prize for their recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in 2014. In 2016, the Association of Music Critics of Argentina recognized the BFO as the Best Foreign Symphony Orchestra.

One of the orchestra's most innovative programs is the Autism-friendly Cocoa Concerts that cater to individuals with autism. They are also well-known for their Surprise Concerts, Midnight Music Concerts, and musical marathons that attract young adults. Additionally, their Dancing on the Square project aims to integrate disadvantaged children. The BFO actively promotes free Community Weeks and co-produces the Bridging Europe festival with Müpa Budapest.

Iván Fischer not only serves as the conductor but also directs the BFO's opera productions. The productions have been invited to prestigious festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival, Mostly Mozart Festival, and Abu Dhabi Festival. In 2013, the New York Magazine ranked The Marriage of Figaro as the best classical music event. In 2018, Iván Fisher established the Vicenza Opera Festival, which debuted that autumn.

The Hungarian Government and the Municipality of Budapest provide financial support to the BFO. This assistance enables the orchestra to continue its mission of sharing the beauty of music with the world and serving its community in diverse ways.

Make sure to visit their website. If you want to stay up to date, follow the BFO on their Facebook and Instagram.