It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved colleague and friend Victor Aviat, principal oboist of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, on 1 May 2025, at the age of 42.

Victor first played with the Festival Orchestra 20 years ago and quickly became a key member of the community - not only for his unparalleled artistry, but also for his kindness, humour and humanity. His oboe playing was radiant, expressive and full of life - just like him. Whether it was Mahler or Mozart, he always sounded sensitive, intelligent and with a unique musical voice.

Curiosity and creative drive permeated his entire career, sharing music in all its forms with passion.

In 2017 he made his conducting debut at the BFO, conducting works by Mozart, Honegger and Schumann. In 2021, he showed his brilliant talent at the Sándor Végh Competition, where he was awarded a special prize. He gave a memorable solo performance of Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C major at the Liszt Academy in June 2023, a chamber performance of Domenico Cimarosa's Oboe Concerto in C major at Spoleto in the summer of 2024, and a scene from the opera Ariadne in Naxos, also premiered in 2024.

Victor's versatility as a musician is demonstrated by his prolific output as a composer. The French chansons he composed were performed by him at the OMIKE synagogue concert in October 2024, not knowing then that this would be the last time we would see him in Budapest.

We are deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts are with Victor's family and loved ones. He will always be part of our musical family and his presence will forever resonate in our hearts and concert halls.

You can watch Iván Fischer's farewell and Victor's beautiful playing in the video below.