Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra

Among Hungary's orchestral institutions, the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra holds the distinction of being the most historic and celebrated. Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel established the ensemble in 1853 and remained its conductor until 1871. Subsequent directors were Hans Richter from 1871 to 1875, Sándor Erkel from 1875 to 1900, István Kerner from 1900 to 1918, and Ernst von Dohnányi from 1919 to 1944. After World War II the roster of music directors has encompassed Otto Klemperer, János Ferencsik, András Kórody, and Rico Saccani. Works were composed for the orchestra by Liszt, Brahms, Goldmark, Mahler, Bartók, Kodály, and Dohnányi. Players are selected from the foremost musicians of the Budapest Opera House, the venue that continues to host the ensemble's subscription series—one of the longest-running in Europe, dating to 1853. The group has toured extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Japan while building a substantial catalog of recordings.