The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra Foundation was initiated by the members of the orchestra in 1991.

Our goal is to spread Hungarian music culture in Hungary and abroad, to support the operating conditions of the orchestra, and to raise the artistic standard. Besides, it is also important for us to help young musicians start their careers.

One of our long-term plans is–in accordance with our artistic qualities–to become one of the most employed ensembles in Hungary and in Europe, to create unforgettable sound records with outstanding soloists, and become an important cultural item for Hungary. 

The Foundation is seated in the Óbudai Társaskör, serving as a real home of the band for 20 years.

Social responsibility

It is a priority for us to reach the younger generations and to start introducing classical music for children at preschool and primary school. Seven years ago, the orchestra launched a new project: we started giving concerts in various schools, grammar schools and foreign-language educational institutions to introduce the world of classical music, string instruments and the musicians themselves to these children. During the 45–50-minute concerts, held during school lessons, Szilvia Becze, the host of Radio Bartók (or, when absent, a member of the orchestra), tells interesting facts and stories related to the several works and composers.

As the purpose of the concerts is to introduce classical music to children, the program is mainly characterized by popular, easy-to-get parts of popular pieces. Besides performing the pieces, we also introduce a given musical period by telling stories about that era and presenting our instruments.

Depending on their agenda, the orchestra organizes approximately 10 school concerts a year, with a total of almost 5000 students participating. The positive feedbacks and the fact that participating classes recommend these programs to others prove that children are receptive to encountering classical music this way.