The Budapest Festival Orchestra (BFO) has ranked among the most notable in the world in BBC Music Magazine's latest list. Others featured include the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
The BFO was formed in 1983 by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis, known for their innovative autism-friendly concerts and recordings of Mahler. The BFO is the most popular Hungarian Orchestra and has won two Gramophone Awards and nominated for a Grammy.
BBC notes that under director of music Iván Fischer, the BFO has become one of Europe’s most important ensembles. Fischer is known for his dynamic leadership and not playing by the book.
In the midst of the pandemic, Fisher created the acoustic mask to improve acoustics. After a long hiatus of in-person concerts the BFO reopened to the public in September.
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