History

Our Story

The Hungarian National Gypsy Orchestra is a unique ensemble with several decades of tradition, founded in 1995 with the aim of representing the richness and virtuosity of Hungarian Gypsy music in a worthy manner.

The roots of the orchestra go back to 1988, when Dezső Ábrahám decided to create the Hungarian nation’s own Gypsy orchestra.

After the political transition, in 1995 the ensemble took the name Hungarian National Gypsy Orchestra, and for decades played a defining role in both the Hungarian and international music scene. After the death of the legendary ensemble’s former leader, Ferenc Sánta, the orchestra’s activity almost completely came to a halt, so the musicians asked him to reorganize it.
From 01.01.2026 the orchestra is led by chief primás and artistic director János Johan.

It was a very difficult task, involving a great deal of legal and organizational work, but there was a strong sense that it could not be allowed to disappear. This orchestra is a treasure, and it is a duty to carry it forward. The ensemble currently has 21 members, and young musicians were consciously invited to join. The aim is to give young primás players the same opportunity that was once given in earlier years. It is important to ensure continuity, while preserving the path that predecessors have marked out over the past two hundred years. Csárdás, verbunkos and Hungarian nóta will always have a place in the repertoire.