Introduction

Danyi Lőrinc Ròbert

President of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra
Artist awarded with the Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary

The 100 Member Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra, laureate of the Hungarian Heritage Award, is a truly unique musical formation that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Celebrated for its unmatched sound and tradition-preserving artistry, the orchestra's name and achievements are enshrined in the Golden Book and the Invisible Museum of the Hungarian Spirit.

Founded in 1985, the orchestra was born from a centuries-old tradition: Roma musicians gathering to honor their legendary masters with music. What began as a tribute to the late Sándor Járóka Sr., "King of the Prímás", soon grew into a world-class symphonic ensemble, dedicated to keeping alive the essence of Hungarian and Roma musical culture.

The orchestra performs masterpieces of the great composers – Liszt, Bartók, Kodály, Hubay, Erkel, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sarasate and Strauss – alongside traditional Hungarian gypsy music, folk songs and nóta. This remarkable blend of classical symphonic performance and Roma musical heritage makes the ensemble one of a kind in the world.

From its debut concert at the Budapest Spring Festival in 1986 to sold-out performances across Europe and beyond, the orchestra has become a proud ambassador of Hungarian and Roma culture. Among its admirers was the legendary pianist György Cziffra, who became the Association's Honorary President for life and encouraged the ensemble on its journey to international acclaim.

Today, the 100 Member Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra continues to enchant audiences with its passion, virtuosity and cultural mission – carrying the vibrant spirit of Hungarian and Roma music to every corner of the world.

A bridge that brings us together…

Since its foundation, the orchestra has given more than a thousand concerts – from the smallest village cultural centers in Hungary to some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. From the very beginning, the orchestra has become an emblematic institution with an absolutely positive, image-shaping role. Through its performances, both at home and abroad, it creates value and builds bridges between different layers of society.

In our performances, alongside preserving and nurturing the traditional sound, we also embrace the musical explorations of the modern world as one of the most natural means of communication. With our unique orchestrations and special arrangements, we strive to present our repertoire in a way that makes the works we perform as simple, accessible, and understandable as possible.

A Hungaricum

On 18 March 2014, the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra was included in the Collection of Hungarikums under the title "The Orchestra's World-Famous Artistic and Tradition-Preserving Practice". From that moment on, the orchestra has been entitled to use the honorary title of Hungarikum.

The Hungarian Act XXX of 2012 on national values and Hungarikums clearly defines the concept of a Hungarikum. According to the law, a Hungarikum is a collective term designating a value that, within a unified system of classification and registration, is worthy of distinction and emphasis. It represents the peak achievements of the Hungarian people through qualities, uniqueness, special character, and excellence that are distinctly characteristic of Hungary.

The Success

Today, the orchestra proudly counts 138 members. According to critics, "there is something magical" about the way the "world's most famous Gypsy orchestra" appears on stage. The reason is that at every performance, the same passion and enthusiasm radiate from the musicians. For them, success is a message that inspires every member to give even more.

At the opening of the Lisbon World Expo, the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra's concert was the main attraction. In Carthage, at the 45th International Music Festival, they achieved a resounding success before an audience of 15,000 people. In 2009, at the Palace of Culture in Târgu Mureș, the enthusiastic audience gave them a standing ovation with tears in their eyes. In Paris, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, they performed 55 highly successful concerts between 2002 and 2014. Since 1994, they have toured France annually, performing in nearly every major and minor city. From October 4, 2013, the "Fergeteges" co-production with ExperiDance and the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra has entertained audiences with more than 70 performances so far.

The orchestra has performed across the globe – in Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and numerous European cities – and continues to be a constant presence in both Hungarian and international musical life.

In 2000, they received the Hungarian Heritage Award and, in the same year, were listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Since its founding, the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra has released 21 CDs and 5 DVDs, of which 8 achieved platinum and 14 gold status. Numerous radio and television recordings have been made about them, and they have won the Magyar Rádió Nívódíj (Excellence Award of the Hungarian Radio) as well as several professional prizes at both domestic and international festivals.

The next generation

For the orchestra, training new generations, and preserving and promoting Hungarian Gypsy music, Hungarian nóta, and folk music is a key mission. Hungarian Gypsy musicians are capable of playing any hit in the world – from the Beatles to Madonna – yet in truth, each of them dreams of becoming a member of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra and performing classical masterpieces. However, only the very best succeed. The orchestra counts among its members several young, home-grown talents who are students of conservatories and academies. In 2008, President and Manager Nándor Beke Farkas gathered together the orchestra's youth and founded the Youth Orchestra of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra. This 25-member youth section was created with the aim of one day forming the backbone of the ensemble, ensuring its future generations. Under the guidance of the world-famous soloists of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra, they learn the craft in dedicated rehearsals. At the same time, they also operate as an independent ensemble and have already released their first CD.