Ivn Fischer studied piano, violin and violoncello in Budapest before studying conducting in

Vienna under the famous Hans Swarowsky. After serving as assistant conductor to Nikolaus

Harnoncourt for two-years, he launched his international career by winning the Rupert

Foundation conducting competition in London. In 1983, Ivn Fischer founded the Budapest

Festival Orchestra in his home town, an ensemble for which he still serves as musical director.

The partnership between Fischer and the orchestra has been one of the greatest success stories

in the classical music world for the past 25 years. Ivn Fischer implemented many changes

and developed an intensive rehearsal method for the musicians. He especially emphasizes

chamber music and the artistic growth of each individual orchestra member.

An intense artistic partnership also links him closely with the Vienna State Opera, leading to

countless productions at opera houses in Zurich, London, Paris and Brussels. He regularly

appears with renowned orchestras such as the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest Amsterdam,

Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Munich Philharmonic,

Berlin Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic.

In addition, he is also a successful composer and musician as well as founder of the

Hungarian Gustav Hahler Society and head of the British Kodly Academy. He received the

Golden Medal Award from the President of the Republic of Hungary and the Crystal Award

from the World Economic Forum for his services to help international cultural relations. The

French Government also named him Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. In 2006, he was

honored with the Kossuth Prize, Hungary's most prestigious arts award. In addition, he is an

honorary citizen of Budapest.

Starting in the 2012/13 season, Ivn Fischer is the new Chief Conductor of the

Konzerthausorchester Berlin.