Conductor: Iván Fischer

If it’s December 26, it’s Boxing Day, and, since 1983, it’s also the birthday of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Traditionally, however, it’s our audiences who receive the gifts. The Surprise Concert promises a truly special experience, as one can never quite know what Iván Fischer, an artist of tireless imagination, will conjure from his rich musical repertoire. On earlier occasions, the orchestra has recruited a choir from the audience, and the audience has even been allowed and encouraged to vote. There have been performances by chamber ensembles and soloists. Jazz, klezmer, and folk music have all been featured. As for the style, we’ve had Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary pieces. Audiences have been greeted with an entirely unexpected layout. Of course, this year’s program is still a surprise, but one thing is for sure: everyone who comes and opens the present given by the orchestra will enjoy an uplifting atmosphere and captivating musical experiences worthy of the holidays.