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A group such as the Budapest Wind Ensemble would have been a very common sight in the 18th century. Such wind bands, or Harmonien, were the popular providers of musical entertainment. The principal function of the Harmonien was to provide background music at dinners and social events.

The Budapest Wind Ensemble was formed in 1982 by the principal players of the Budapest Opera House Orchestra. The Artistic Director is Kalman Berkes, winner of the second prize at the Geneva International Competition in 1972. Their repertoire consists of well-known classical compositions as well as rarely played works both old and new, such as arrangements of works by Johann Strauss and Scott Joplin. In keeping with the tradition of the wind ensemble, the eight wind instruments are joined by a double-bass.

The Budapest Wind Ensemble appears regularly in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. They also make regular visits to the USA and the Far East. Highly acclaimed in the UK, the Ensemble makes regular visits here, their most recent appearances including concerts in London (South Bank and Wigmore Hall), Bath, Lichfield, Newcastle and Liverpool, and for the BBC lunchtime series.

The Budapest Wind Ensemble has recorded for several radio stations, and has issued a number of recordings on the Hungaraton label.