This February, the Tulipán Foundation welcomed families to the DiMenna Center for Classical Music for the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Cocoa Concert, a cherished Hungarian tradition brought to life in New York City. Kakaókoncert performances have captivated young audiences in Hungary for generations, and this special presentation marked the orchestra’s first visit to NYC since 2020.
Founded in 1983 by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis, the Budapest Festival Orchestra has spent decades transforming how audiences experience classical music, earning acclaim for its creativity and distinctive sound. Fischer’s vision has made the ensemble one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, reimagining the concert experience while expanding the genre’s reach to new audiences.
From the moment families arrived, the morning buzzed with excitement in anticipation of the unique opportunity to discover music up close. The orchestra placed all children at the center of the performance, with musicians engaging directly and Iván Fischer’s charismatic presence drawing everyone into the joy of sound.
The audience, which included many New York-based music lovers to first-time classical concertgoers, responded with delight, enjoying the chance to experience the Budapest Festival Orchestra in such an intimate setting. After the performance, children and parents gathered over cups of hot cocoa, continuing a beloved ritual that added warmth and connection to the morning.
This special presentation was part of the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s U.S.-Canada tour, which included performances at Carnegie Hall. It also showcased the close collaboration with the Tulipán Foundation, reflecting the shared values of both organizations and bringing celebrated Hungarian artists to new audiences through immersive cultural experiences.