The notification inviting applications for selection to the post of General Director of the Hungarian State Opera was published on 29 October 2012. Six applications were submitted by the relevant deadline. One of those did not meet entry requirements, therefore the recommendation of the Tender Board has been made on five applicants on 28 December, 2012.

The Hungarian Minister of Human Resources, Zoltán Balog (having control over the Hungarian State Opera) had thirty days for making the final decision. The decision has been made on 28 January, 2013, the Minister appointed Mr Ókovács as General Director of the Budapest Opera for five years.

Former opera singer, critic, journalist, television and marketing professional, Szilveszter Ókovács was charged to lead the Hungarian State Opera as Government Commissioner on 22 August 2011, then he continued as Acting General Director from 1 September 2012.

Source: Opera.hu