Modern Art Orchestra
Orchestra, choir, ensemble
The band's ambition is to present and regularly perform contemporary, primarily Hungarian jazz compositions. The MAO is made up of strong artistic personalities who share a common vision, have their own formation, compose and arrange regularly.
A fundamental aspect in the formation of MAO was to create a formation compatible with the traditional big band line-up, but with a unique sound. Among the stylistic accessories, it is worth mentioning that new instruments have been added to the ensemble. In addition to the bass, the tuba and horn are prominent bass instruments, while the woodwinds add a classic woodwind sound with flutes, clarinets and bass clarinet.
Modernity and uniqueness of sound were also the most important criteria in the repertoire, and this was already partly a given, as Kornél Fekete-Kovács's compositions and arrangements for big band in the last seven years number more than fifty, while pieces by Viktor Hárs, Szabolcs Oláh, Kristóf Bacsó and Dániel Mester have also added to the number of pieces written for the MAO.
The presentation of outstanding works of contemporary music literature is also an important part of the ensemble's musical image. The repertoire includes, for example, Béla Zsoldos' Üstdobversen (Timpani Concerto), Igor Stravinsky's Ebony Converto, and Péter Eötvös' Paris-Dakar (the piece was orchestrated by the orchestra's conductor Kornél Fekete-Kovács, who was commissioned by the composer to orchestrate it for the MAO).
After the premiere of Kornél Fekete-Kovács and György Hegyi's Christmas Diary, four of the orchestra's guests performed a composition each. In addition to László Dés and Béla Szakcsi Lakatos, two singers, Gábor Winand and Zséda, also performed.
The orchestra gave several other successful concerts at large-scale events and festivals in 2006. Among them were the Budapest Spring Festival, where they gave a highly successful concert with guest appearance of Julian Joseph Quartet in the Palace of Arts, the Europe Jazz Bridge Budapest Jam, the Balatonboglár Jazz and Wine Festival, the Sziget Festival, the MOL Budapest Jazz Festival with guest performance of Wallace Roney and the Music of Our Time Festival.
At the Bartók Radio Music Awards, the orchestra received the Music Ensemble of the Year Award 2024.
A fundamental aspect in the formation of MAO was to create a formation compatible with the traditional big band line-up, but with a unique sound. Among the stylistic accessories, it is worth mentioning that new instruments have been added to the ensemble. In addition to the bass, the tuba and horn are prominent bass instruments, while the woodwinds add a classic woodwind sound with flutes, clarinets and bass clarinet.
Modernity and uniqueness of sound were also the most important criteria in the repertoire, and this was already partly a given, as Kornél Fekete-Kovács's compositions and arrangements for big band in the last seven years number more than fifty, while pieces by Viktor Hárs, Szabolcs Oláh, Kristóf Bacsó and Dániel Mester have also added to the number of pieces written for the MAO.
The presentation of outstanding works of contemporary music literature is also an important part of the ensemble's musical image. The repertoire includes, for example, Béla Zsoldos' Üstdobversen (Timpani Concerto), Igor Stravinsky's Ebony Converto, and Péter Eötvös' Paris-Dakar (the piece was orchestrated by the orchestra's conductor Kornél Fekete-Kovács, who was commissioned by the composer to orchestrate it for the MAO).
After the premiere of Kornél Fekete-Kovács and György Hegyi's Christmas Diary, four of the orchestra's guests performed a composition each. In addition to László Dés and Béla Szakcsi Lakatos, two singers, Gábor Winand and Zséda, also performed.
The orchestra gave several other successful concerts at large-scale events and festivals in 2006. Among them were the Budapest Spring Festival, where they gave a highly successful concert with guest appearance of Julian Joseph Quartet in the Palace of Arts, the Europe Jazz Bridge Budapest Jam, the Balatonboglár Jazz and Wine Festival, the Sziget Festival, the MOL Budapest Jazz Festival with guest performance of Wallace Roney and the Music of Our Time Festival.
At the Bartók Radio Music Awards, the orchestra received the Music Ensemble of the Year Award 2024.
| Year | Title | Publisher | Code | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Eclectic Path | BMC Records | BMC CD 159 |
Own |
| 2014 | Circular | BMC Records | BMC CD 204 |
Own |
| 2018 |
Modern Art Orchestra Plays Béla Bartók: Tizenöt magyar parasztdal
(Modern Art Orchestra Plays Béla Bartók: 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs) |
BMC Records | BMC CD 265 |
Own |
| 2020 |
Fekete-Kovács Kornél, Modern Art Orchestra: Foundations – Yamas and Niyamas
(Kornél Fekete-Kovács, Modern Art Orchestra Foundations – Yamas and Niyamas ) |
BMC Records | BMC CD 297 |
Own |
| 2024 | Modern Art Orchestra / Kodály Choir conducted by Kornél Fekete-Kovács and Zoltán Kocsis-Holper / The Peacock - Tribute to Zoltán Kodály | BMC Records | BMC CD 333 | 2 CDs |