Budapest Ragtime Band — The Golden Age of Jazz

The Budapest Ragtime Band is one of the most distinguished ensembles in Hungary’s traditional jazz scene. Founded in 1980 by artists who graduated from colleges of music and the Liszt Academy, the band has long been dedicated to preserving the traditions of ragtime while presenting, sustaining and popularising various styles of American traditional jazz.

The popular ragtime pieces of turn-of-the-century America have been arranged by the band for an 8–10-member ensemble, featuring distinctive and inventive orchestration solutions.

Over time, their repertoire has expanded to include swing and dixieland melodies, virtuosic instrumental solos, and humorous classical music parodies in the unmistakable “Budapest Ragtime style.” A spectacular show, a joyful atmosphere, and direct interaction with the audience are essential elements of their concerts. Renowned both in Hungary and abroad for their high-level instrumental artistry and unique performance style, the band gives around one hundred concerts each year, proudly representing Budapest and Hungary on stage.

Photo: Mihály Samu Gálos
Organizer: Pesti Vigadó