History in Hungary

The Café Orchestras

Roma musicians defined Hungary’s famed restaurant and concert traditions.

The Café Orchestras
own work — CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

For generations, the "gypsy bands" of Hungary — Roma string ensembles led by a primás (lead violinist) — provided the music of restaurants, weddings and concert halls. They became so identified with Hungarian music that the two are often confused abroad.

These professional musical dynasties passed their art down through families and performed at the highest level.

Sources & further reading: Wikipedia (Romani people in Hungary) and the Council of Europe factsheets.

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