Hungarian State Opera is the leading cultural institute in Hungary where different artistic genres are equally embraced since its foundation in 1884. The neo-renaissance Opera House in Budapest, a masterpiece built by Miklós Ybl, was reopened after almost five years of extensive restoration and modernisation in March 2022. The historic building welcomes visitors and audiences with a constantly renewed classical repertoire whereas the recently opened new venue, the Eiffel Art Studios offers a selection of contemporary productions and modern dance.
Apart from internationally renowned Hungarian and international guest singers (including Erwin Schrott, Jonas Kaufmann, Plácido Domingo, Bryn Terfel or René Pape in recent years), resident companies welcome the audiences. The Hungarian National Ballet (the only classical ballet company in Hungary) led by former international ballet dancer Tamás Solymosi is proud of their repertoire consisting of classical choreographies as well as contemporary dance pieces.
The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Hungary’s oldest orchestra, is led by principal music director Balázs Kocsár. In their long history, great conductors have made their impact on it such as Gustav Mahler, Otto Klemperer, Serio Failoni, or more recently, Pinchas Steinberg, Michel Plasson, Philippe Auguin, Michael Schønwandt or Péter Eötvös.
Whether you are a fan of opera, ballet or classical concerts, you are sure to find a performance to suit your taste, and even surpass your expectations.
