Rival Hungarian Gypsy orchestras with 100 members in dispute over name

BUDAPEST, Hungary – A court has stepped in to clear up a dispute in Hungary’s battle of the bands.

The Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra, which often performs in France, says a temporary injunction has banned the producer of another large Gypsy ensemble from using a French version of their name, 100 Violons Tziganes De Budapest, in that country.

Nandor Beke Farkas, manager of the orchestra, said Wednesday that the ruling by a French court will be in place until the issue is conclusively settled in a lawsuit.

“We welcome the formation of other Gypsy orchestras,” Farkas said. “But no one should exploit our 30-year reputation.”

In 2014, the orchestra, also known as the Hundred Gypsy Violins, was designated a “hungaricum,” a national treasure recognized by the Hungarian Parliament.

Xavier Dubuc, manager of the rival group now called the Gypsy Philharmonic Orchestra, said he would not contest the court decision.

Dubuc is also a former long-time producer and manager of the orchestra now run by Farkas and said that his relationship with the group began to sour after the death last year of orchestra leader Sandor Rigo Buffo.

“The new orchestra is very talented and younger,” Dubuc said by telephone from France. “I am sure it will be very successful.”