Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Star clock concerts, sublime oratorios, opera performances, contemporary music, concert and studio broadcasts, an innovative power eliminating the borders of genres and perfect recordings played in the furthest parts of the world. An artistic work incorporating many varieties has been the characteristic of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra already in its early period, and the same diversity and openness define the everyday work of the orchestra today as well.

It was Ernő Dohnányi, elected as the chief musical director of the radio in 1931, who had a clear vision of how the quickly developing technology could be put in use to serve the needs of music seeking new ways constantly.

The musical ensemble, which can be viewed as the core of the future orchestra, was formed in 1936. Dohnányi invited the most talented artists of the era to play music.  After some months of work, even the English radio adopted its programme. The Hungarian ensemble playing to the largest audiences already made its thousandth concert in May, 1939. The desire to meet with the audience at concerts, and not only through radio waves seemed natural. The orchestra introduced itself on October 7, 1943 under the baton of Ernő Dohnányi.

During the 70 years since established, such outstanding conductors as Tibor Polgár, László Somogyi, Tamás Bródy, György Lehel, András Ligeti, Tamás Vásáry, László Kovács, Ádám Fischer, Stephen D’Agostino and Gergely Vajda conducted the orchestra. As of September, 2014, János Kovács has been the principal conductor of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra earned its ranking in the leading edge of grand orchestras with countless concerts held in Hungary and in foreign countries, as well as with radio, television and CD recordings of almost the entire symphonic and oratorical repertoire. It is a permanent contributor of the finals and gala concerts of international music competitions and a key participant of the annually hosted Budapest Wagner Days. The leading critics of the world unanimously praise the balanced sounding and flexibility of the orchestra as well as its activity as patron of the arts pursued with promoting and recording Hungarian contemporary music.

In the 2017-18 musical season, the orchestra announced its concerts with the title MUSIC IS ETERNAL and welcomes the interested music-loving audience.