The orchestra was founded in 1983 as part of the Honvéd Art Ensemble. The name „hegedős” (meaning „fiddler” in Hungarian) originates from the Middle Ages and refers to Mediaeval singing storytellers. The choice of their name expresses the character and intentions of the group of seven musicians who are dedicated to the research and fostering of ancient folk music of the Carpathian Basin. In this respect the might be regarded as the followers of Béla Bartók, but they perform the material they gather in an authentic way on original folk instruments.

Thus their performances are also interesting as live instrument exhibitions: every time they introduce dozens of curious, ancient folk instruments on the stage while they do not only play Hungarian folk music but always keep some space for the music of neighbouring nations and minorities living in Hungary.

The Hegedős Ensemble often comes up with unique musical and historical arrangements. At the same time they actively contribute to the creation of the Honvéd Dance Theatre's performances as the permanent accompaniers of the dancers.

They have travelled all around the world with the Honvéd Dance Theatre: during the past 5 years they played on 43 occasions in 19 different countries giving concerts as well. The Hegedős Ensemble has a dozen CD releases and recordings.