Iván Fischer
After studying in Budapest and in Vienna with Hans Swarowsky, Iván Fischer was Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s assistant for two years. In 1983 he founded the Budapest Festival Orchestra in his homeland, and he has been its Music Director to this day. He also enjoys a close artistic partnership with the Vienna State Opera. Iván Fischer works regularly with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Starting with the 2012-2013 season, he takes on the position of Chief Conductor of the Konzerthaus Orchestra Berlin. Among his numerous international awards and honors are the Crystal Award of the World Economic Forum for his efforts to champion international cultural relations and being named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. Apart from his activities as a conductor, Iván Fischer is also a successful composer – the Young Euro Classic Festival Hymn for 2011 and 2012 was written by him. Iván Fischer is a member of the Artistic Board of Young Euro Classic.