The Hungarian State Opera is set to launch its 142nd season with a program marked by artistic diversity and grand ambition. Audiences can anticipate a packed schedule featuring 385 performances, including seven new premieres, 36 different repertoire productions, 14 performances tailored for children and youth, and over two dozen concerts and song recitals.
The upcoming season promises a compelling mix of classic masterpieces and contemporary works, presented in modern productions. A major highlight is the return of Wagner’s Lohengrin to the Opera stage after two decades, presented in a new in-house production led by artistic director András Almási-Tóth and principal conductor Martin Rajna. Beethoven’s Fidelio will also be seen again as a full stage production, featuring Tobias Kratzer’s acclaimed London staging under the baton of principal guest conductor Péter Halász. Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte will be staged by Kriszta Székely at the Eiffel Art Studios, conducted by Levente Török.
Adding a contemporary Hungarian dimension, the season includes world premieres of one-act operas by two Kossuth Prize-winning composers. The Verdict by János Vajda, based on Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s novella, and Royal Highness by György Selmeczi, inspired by Thomas Mann’s early novel, will be presented as a double bill staged by Máté Szabó and conducted by János Kovács as part of the Bartók Spring program. Young audiences are also catered for with two world premieres: Little Coppélia, a fairy-tale ballet from the Hungarian National Ballet Institute, and Beauty and the Beast, a new fairy-tale opera by Péter Tóth.
The season will feature a host of international stars gracing the Hungarian State Opera stage. A significant event is Anna Netrebko’s first performance in a staged production at the Opera as Lady Macbeth. The cast for Lohengrin includes Christopher Sokolowski in the title role, Johanni van Oostrum as Elsa, Egils Siliņš as Telramund, and Judit Kutasi as Ortrud. Giorgi Sturua debuts as Calàf in Turandot, while Andrei Danilov returns for roles in La bohème and Rigoletto. Vassilis Kavayas appears again in L’italiana in Algeri. Acclaimed Wagner conductor Constantin Trinks will make his debut at the Opera House with Parsifal.
The popular series ‘Stars’ Recitals with Piano’ enters its fourth season, presenting world-class singers such as Joseph Calleja, Ludovic Tézier, Freddie De Tommaso, Asmik Grigorian, Nadine Sierra, Aigul Akhmetsina, Long Long, and Michael Volle. This series will also feature a gala performance by young talents from Italy’s Georg Solti Academy. Hungarian opera icons, including active Kossuth Prize laureates, will be celebrated in the ‘Prima Donnas +2 Heroes’ series and the ‘Return Victorius!’ gala.
The rich repertoire places a strong emphasis on the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Wagner, complemented by dedicated symphonic concerts and themed song recitals. Eight of Mozart’s operas are scheduled, alongside popular works by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and Donizetti. Hungarian opera is represented by Ferenc Erkel’s Bánk bán and Péter Eötvös’s internationally acclaimed final opera, Valuska.
For the first time in a single season, the Hungarian National Ballet will perform all three major Tchaikovsky ballets: The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. Full-length Hungarian ballets like László Seregi’s Romeo and Juliet and Marianna Venekei’s A Streetcar Named Desire are also featured, alongside works by renowned international choreographers. Grand orchestral works by Mahler and Schönberg are also part of the program.
A special series of musical events will commemorate the 1025th anniversary of Hungarian statehood, paying tribute to King Saint Stephen. This includes the symphonic version of Stephen, the King, Beethoven’s König Stephan overture, and a concert performance of Ferenc Erkel’s King Stephen, which will be recorded and published digitally.
The Hungarian State Opera remains dedicated to nurturing future audiences through nearly half a dozen independent productions by the OPERA Children’s Chorus and the Hungarian National Ballet Institute, offering age-appropriate performances. Programs for teenagers are also available, featuring one-act comic operas and engaging choreographies.
In a move to expand its offerings and revenue streams, the Opera is developing new venues. A new concert space, HangÁR, is set to open at the Eiffel Art Studios, hosting diverse musical genres. The Opera Bistro has launched at the Ybl Palace, and a permanent exhibition space for the OPERA Archives is planned.
The Opera is also maintaining a strong international presence with tours planned, including a major return to the Dubai Opera in September. Additional tours to Italy and Japan are in preparation, and recording projects with international tenors are underway at the Eiffel Art Studios.
Subscriptions for the season are available until June 30, providing a significant discount on regular ticket prices. Individual ticket sales are scheduled to begin on May 20.
