The 2026/27 season of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra offers a rich and diverse program, ranging from full symphonic concerts to chamber music evenings, as well as family and children’s performances. Highlights of the season include internationally acclaimed guest artists, festive concerts, eight subscription series, and a renewed visual identity.
Concert subscriptions and youth series
The backbone of the season consists of eight concert subscription series and two youth concert series held in Budapest’s prestigious venues. Alongside popular series featuring the finest of the classical symphonic repertoire—such as the Szőke Tibor Master Subscription (Müpa), the Lukács Miklós and Erdélyi Miklós series (Liszt Academy of Music), the Festetics series (Festetics Palace), and the more than 30-year-old Concerts for Grandparents and Grandchildren (Hungarian National Museum)—three new subscription formats are introduced.
At the French Institute of Budapest, chamber music evenings will cater to those seeking more intimate experiences, while in the final months of the season, a Summer Evening Concert Series will take place in the ceremonial hall of the Italian Cultural Institute. In spring 2027, audiences are invited to a festival-style Beethoven Celebration at the Liszt Academy of Music.
The orchestra takes pride in its loyal audience, whose members have passed on their love of music across generations, creating a community that continues to grow with younger listeners.
Renowned guest artists
In the 2026/27 season, the orchestra welcomes internationally celebrated musicians. Conductors include Antonello Allemandi, Gergely Kesselyák, Maxim Rysanov, Scott Yoo, and Gábor Takács-Nagy.
Soloists include outstanding artists such as Giuseppe Gibboni, Kirill Troussov, Martin Haselböck, Mischa Maisky, Pepe Romero, Lajos Lencsés, and András Adorján, whose concert will also feature actor Antal Cserna.
Kurtág 100 – Closing concert of the jubilee year
For the orchestra, the music of György Kurtág represents a living connection rather than historical memory. A defining moment came in 2012, when the orchestra premiered the new orchestral version of Zwiegespräch with the participation of György Kurtág Jr..
The closing concert of the jubilee year will take place on December 19, 2026, in collaboration with the Budapest Music Center, featuring György Kurtág Jr. and Dénes Várjon, conducted by Gábor Takács-Nagy.
Beethoven Celebration
A major highlight of the season is a joint concert series by the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and the orchestra, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death. Over three consecutive days in March 2027, all nine symphonies will be performed under the baton of Gábor Takács-Nagy.
Music education – programs for the youngest
The orchestra places strong emphasis on nurturing future audiences. The Búgócsiga series continues in the orchestra’s rehearsal hall, introducing toddlers to live music through playful sessions.
The popular Zene-Tér-Kép series also continues at the Budapest Jazz Club and at Eötvös10, as well as in provincial cities. Led by Edit Székely, children can discover instruments and orchestral sound in an interactive way.
Renewed visual identity
In the new season, the orchestra’s visual identity is also refreshed. The new design and logo are created by László Erkel Kentaur. The updated look reflects both tradition and a forward-looking, modern character. The orchestra’s website has also been redesigned to offer a clean, user-friendly, and informative experience.
The end of an era
At the end of the season, Róbert Farkas will bid farewell to the orchestra after five years as principal conductor. His tenure has been marked by consistent artistic development and an inspiring presence within the ensemble.
Open Day – celebrating with the audience
Continuing tradition, the orchestra will thank its audience with a free open-air concert on May 10, 2026, at the garden of the Hungarian National Museum, conducted by Farkas—both a closing of an important artistic chapter and a festive opening of the new season.
The 2026/27 season of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra balances classical tradition with renewal. With world-class performers, a rich repertoire, and programs designed to engage future audiences, the orchestra aims to strengthen its position both in Hungary and internationally, while maintaining the trust and enthusiasm of its listeners.
