Modern Art Orchestra

The Modern Art Orchestra is a 20-piece Hungarian big band founded and led by trumpeter and composer Kornél Fekete-Kovács. From the beginning, the ensemble's approach has been to stretch the boundaries of contemporary classical musc and jazz, often combining them. Eclectic Path, their 2009 debut, threaded nine original jazz compositions with the advanced harmonic approach of modern classical music and vanguard improvisation. 2013's Zene Hajó featured vocalist, comedian, and TV host, Hajós András. 2018's globally acclaimed Modern Art Orchestra Plays Béla Bartók: 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs, with guest David Liebman, toured the world. 2020's Foundations: Yamas and Niyamas featured iconic Hungarian jazz and pop vocalist Veronika Harcsa. 2021's Dedications was composed exclusively of Fekete-Kovács' compositions, while Solar Crisis highlighted compositions by saxophonist Daniel Varga. In 2024, The Peacock (Tribute to Zoltán Kodály) programmed the composer's choral works (sung by the Kodály Choir) alongside MAO tunes written specifically for the recording.