On Sunday, February 8 at 10:30am, the Tulipán Foundation invites families to experience the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Cocoa Concert at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City. Widely celebrated in Hungary as Kakaókoncert, these performances have been a cherished tradition for generations, and this special presentation will mark the orchestra’s first visit to NYC since 2020.
For nearly three decades, the Budapest Festival Orchestra has been transforming how children first encounter classical music: not from distant seats in velvet-lined halls, but close enough to feel the sound all around. Founded in 1983 by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis, the orchestra is internationally admired for its artistic excellence, distinctive sound, and imaginative approach. Fischer, acclaimed composer and cultural innovator, has shaped the ensemble into one of the world’s most admired orchestras, bringing his celebrated vision for reimagining the concert experience and expanding classical music’s educational reach.
Unlike traditional concerts, the Cocoa Concert puts young listeners at the heart of the experience, offering a warm and playful introduction to classical music. Musicians engage directly with the audience, breaking down barriers that can make classical music feel distant or intimidating. After the performance, families are invited to share cups of hot cocoa, a simple ritual that has become an integral part of the tradition.
This special presentation is part of the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s U.S.–Canada tour, which includes appearances at some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Carnegie Hall on February 6 and 7. Their collaboration with the Tulipán Foundation reflects the shared values of both organizations and highlights the importance of bringing internationally renowned Hungarian artists directly to New York’s youngest audiences.
The Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Cocoa Concert is intended for young audiences, with children attending with an accompanying adult. Doors will open at 10:00am, with the performance beginning promptly at 10:30am. Advanced registration is recommended, as space is limited, so please be sure to reserve your ticket as soon as possible.
BUDAPEST FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA COCOA CONCERT PROGRAM
Conducted by Iván Fischer
Echo Serenade by Ennio Bolognini
- Lajos Dvorák, cello
Romance by Camille Saint-Saëns
- András Szabó, horn
- Ágnes Polónyi, harp
String Quartet in C Major, K. 157 (Allegro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Mária Gál-Tamási, violin
- Antónia Bodó, violin
- Erika Illési, viola
- Gabriella Liptai, cello
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon) by George Frideric Handel
Arranged by David Schorr
- Roland Csalló, clarinet
- Rudolf Szitka, clarinet
- Ákos Ács, clarinet
- Zsuzsanna Majzik, bass clarinet
Libertango by Astor Piazzolla
- Pál Jász, violin
- Zsuzsanna Szlávik, violin
- Roland Csalló, clarinet
- Éva Eckhardt, cello
’O sole mio by Eduardo di Capua
- Pál Jász, violin
- Zsuzsanna Szlávik, violin
- Roland Csalló, clarinet
- Éva Eckhardt, cello
Tango by Sonny Kompanek
- Gergely Csikota, trumpet
- Tamás Póti, trumpet
- Attila Sztán, trombone
- Balázs Szakszon, trombone
- Bálint Keresztesi, tuba
- László Herboly, percussion
Traditional Folk Music from Vajdaszentiványi
- István Kádár, violin
- András Szabó, folk viola