Hungarian State Opera reopens after overhaul – PHOTOS!
The Hungarian State Opera, which underwent a major renovation, was reopened with a festive gala on Saturday evening.
The opening ceremony took place in the presence of outgoing President János Áder, President-elect Katalin Novák and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Addressing the event, President Áder spoke about the 138-year history of the Opera House, one of the masterpieces of the eminent 19th century architect Miklós Ybl.
“What a variety of events this building has witnessed and survived: wars and revolutions, conquerors and various forms of government, occupation and regained freedoms. Several directors who made the golden age of opera and some who were certainly unworthy of their position. Old and new styles, conservative and progressive,” the president said.
“But in the end, value prevailed. And those who wanted to work at the highest possible level. and I knew that the Budapest opera performance had to be on par with the best in Europe,” he added.
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
President János Áder delivers a speech at the opening gala of the renovated main building of the Hungarian State Opera. Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Plácido Domingo conducts the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra in a gala ceremony to mark the inauguration of the renovated main building. Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Liszt, Kossuth and Prima Primissima Prize-winning conductor Ádám Medveczky at the gala ceremony for the inauguration of the renovated main building of the Hungarian State Opera. Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Conductor Plácido Domingo at the opening gala of the renovated main building of the Hungarian State Opera. Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI
Photo courtesy of Zsolt Szigetváry/MTI