The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble - regarded as one of the best in Hungary, was established in 1951. Its aims were to collect and play authentic folk music and to preserve the Hungarian folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungarian-inhabited areas by putting them on stage for the public.

During the more than five decades of its existence, the Ensemble has achieved its aim by revitalizing the culture of the Hungarian people. Their rich and colourful repertoire entitled the Ensemble to be regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world. It has performed in 44 countries across four continents and won the admiration of an audience of more than seven and a half million people.