Festive Concert Marks 140th Anniversary of the Hungarian State Opera

Hungary Today 2024.09.30.

The Hungarian State Opera marked its 140th anniversary with a festive concert last Friday. The celebration brought together the Opera’s Orchestra, Choir, and Ballet, featuring performances of works by notable Hungarian composers such as Franz Liszt (1811–1886), Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967), and Ferenc Erkel (1810–1893).

During the event, Irén Novák, Deputy Secretary of State for Art and Community Culture, underlined the Opera’s significance in Hungary’s cultural landscape. She praised the institution as a “wonderful jewel of culture and a defining place in European artistic life,” emphasizing how deeply embedded it is in the nation’s artistic heritage.

The concert notable pieces, offering a broad spectrum of the Opera’s repertoire, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Opera House, designed by Miklós Ybl (1814-1891).

Opened in 1884, the building is an architectural marvel of the Neo-Renaissance style, featuring a grand staircase, intricate murals, and an auditorium that accommodates over 1,200 spectators. Known for its excellent acoustics, the Opera House has earned its place as one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural landmarks.

Fact

Throughout its history, the Hungarian State Opera has been directed by some of the world’s most renowned conductors, including Gustav Mahler (1860–1911), Otto Klemperer (1885–1973), and Ádám Fischer (b. 1949) as artistic directors. Fischer has been instrumental in maintaining the Opera’s global reputation, particularly through his recordings with leading orchestras. Earlier Hungary Today reported that during Mahler’s directorship, he worked with the legendary one-handed pianist Count Géza Zichy (1849–1924). Although tensions arose, Mahler’s leadership contributed greatly to the Opera’s artistic development.

This anniversary concert not only celebrated the Opera’s illustrious past but also looked towards the future with initiatives like DigiTár, the Opera’s digital archive. Containing records of over 60,000 performances, it will be expanded to include high-resolution photos and much more, ensuring that Hungary’s operatic legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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Via MTI, oreilly.com; Featured Image: Fortepan / Budapest Főváros Levéltára / Klösz György