ANDRÁS KELLER: Music Director of the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra

News 28 June 2023

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Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra are one of the leading full-size orchestras in Hungary. They have stamped their mark on Hungarian and international music life with their unique tonality and broad ranging programming. Their extensive repertoire spans the spectrum from popular classics to contemporary works. Their progressive character is manifested in the musicians’ elemental performance skills. Concerts become unforgettable experiences through a total and evident passion for music.

World-renowned violinist, founder of Keller Quartet, András Keller has been music director of Concerto Budapest since 2007. His appointment to head the ensemble
was a decisive moment in the life of the orchestra since in addition to the continued expansion of the classical repertoire he placed great emphasis on performances
of 20th century and contemporary works (including many premieres in Hungary).

Beside his activity as music director, he is also the artistic leader of important programmes in Hungarian music life initiated by him. Thematic festivals (Mozart Day, Beethoven Days) hallmarked with the name of Concerto Budapest along with the Day of Listening celebrating contemporary music are all mini festivals associated with András Keller, which he launched in the past few years with the intention of establishing a tradition.

In addition to holding several dozen international prizes, he was the recipient of the Liszt Prize in 1995 as a member of Keller Quartet, in 2012 he was awarded the Bartók-Pásztory Prize and Meritorious Artist honour. On 15 March 2021, András Keller received the highest arts award of the Hungarian State, the Kossuth Prize. He was recognised with the prize for his career in music invaluable for his home country, his globally admired achievements as a devoted performing artist in chamber and contemporary music and his successful activity as music director, music educator and cultural advocate. In 2022 he was also awarded by Prima Primissima Award of Excellence. Since January 2016, he has been professor at the London-based Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the leading institutions of music in the world.

Book your tickets here to see the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra in Europe's premier concert hall.