After almost five years of closure, the Hungarian State Opera is once again opening its doors to opera and ballet lovers from all over the world. The historic building has been restored to its former glory, now complemented by state-of-the-art modern technology.

The reconstruction saw major work undertaken on the engineering of the opera stage and the acoustics of the auditorium, as well as the restoration of its historic features. The stage machinery was transformed, replacing outdated East German technology with state-of-the-art engineering, with an orchestra pit now fully mobile. This area has returned to its original size, with increased ventilation, reverb and amplification. Art studios have been relocated, with additional rehearsal space created for Hungary’s only classical ballet corps, and disabled access has been improved throughout the 138-year-old building.

Come back with a bang

The Budapest Opera will welcome local and international audiences to its lavish halls with a spectacular three-day festival. From March 12-14, the weekend will open with an orchestral gala led by a star-studded roster, including Placido DomingoÁdám Medveczky, Gergely Kesselyák and the General Music Director of the Hungarian State Opera, Balázs Kocsár.

On March 13, the company will present a new staging of Erkel’s Hunyadi Laszlo, considered the first Hungarian grand opera. The folk-influenced production will see general manager Szilveszter Ókovács make his directorial debut, demonstrating the artistic and technical virtuosity of the Opera’s recently modernized stage machinery.

The Hungarian National Ballet makes its long-awaited return to the historic building in a new production by Kenneth MacMillan Mayerling The next day. Completed after MacMillan’s resignation as Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet in 1977, the production centers on the death of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary and his teenage mistress Mary Vetsera in 1889. It is considered by many to be the best of the British choreographer. work, showcasing the sumptuous opulence of the Austro-Hungarian courts.

A look ahead

Later in the season, the Hungarian State Opera will bring its Ring cycle to finish with Wagner Götterdammerung. There’s more for Wagner fans elsewhere in the upcoming season, with a first staging of Parsifal. In addition, audiences can expect performances by Richard Strauss Die Frau ohne Schattenat Boito Mefistofeleby Gershwin Porgy and Bess, by Mozart Figaro’s wedding and The magic fluteby Giordano Andrea Chenierby Puccini Western fantasy and that of Verdi Simon Boccanegra, don carlo and A balloon to Maschera. For ballet lovers, performances of Romeo and Juliet and Onegin are also part of the line-up.

In addition to appearances by world-class Hungarian soloists and conductors, the Opera House will host international guest stars. Plácido Domingo is enjoying his return to the stage, this time as Simon Boccanegra, while Sir Willard White will appear as both Bluebeard and Porgy.

For all the details, please visit the Hungarian State Opera website.