On 27 September, 2014 two-hundred extras will represent the crowd that broke into the Opera House on its opening in 1884. Together with our artists they will re-enact the pandemonium that broke out in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph played by actor Károly Kuna. Queen Elizabeth (Sissi) is portrayed by soprano Orsolya Sáfár. Their royal convoy is awaited at the Opera House by the government of the age as well as architect Miklós Ybl.

The gala concert is based on the original opening gala of 1884. Act Two of Hungary’s national opera, Bánk Bán by Ferenc Erkel features legendary singers: István Berczelly, Dénes Gulyás, Éva Marton, Kiss B. Atilla, Csaba Ötvös and Ingrid Kertesi. This historic moment is conducted by Ádám Medveczky.

Robert North’s choreography Troy Games premiered in Hungary last season. The internationally acclaimed choreographer included the elements of the Japanese aikido, the Brazilian capoeira, and the ancient Greek wars in his dance, which was choreographed for male ballet dancers only. The female version is introduced to Europe for the first time by ballet director Tamás Solymosi. Troy Games – with Amazons premieres on the 130th jubilee of the Hungarian State Opera.

The film premiere of the evening, The Palace on Sugár Út – Opera130, directed by Géza M. Tóth, was made especially for the 27 September celebration. The film shows a complex picture of the building that has been the most prestigious cultural institute of the nation since its opening not only from an architectural point of view but as a house of all arts, where music, fine arts and ballet are represented. Viewers are taken on a 25-minute tour with the guidance of soprano Orsolya Sáfár, who appears as different personas of operatic life: prompter, usherette and part of the audience while singing some excerpts from the most beautiful opera arias.

The Opera presents a book published by Helikon for the 130th anniversary entitled History of the Opera House. The richly illustrated, informative book tells the tale of the Opera House and the history of opera and ballet in writing and in pictures. Golden ages, times of crises, legendary performances, international muscians and singers are commemorated in the book, which also intoruduces the 100 years of the Erkel Theatre. Its authors are: Ferenc László, Márk Gara, Szilveszter Ókovács and Dávid Zsoldos. Editor: Márton Devich.

Programme of the gala concert on 27 September:

National Anthem

Ferenc Erkel: Hunyadi László - Overture

Ferenc Erkel: Bánk bán (Act two with legendary artists)

Featuring: István Berczelly, Dénes Gulyás, Éva Marton,  Atilla Kiss B., Csaba Ötvös and Ingrid Kertesi.

Ferenc Liszt: Hungarian Royal Anthem

Géza M. Tóth: The Palace on Sugár Út – Opera130 (film premiere)

Robert North: Troy Games – with Amazons (parody of a ballet parody, European premiere)

Featuring: Sznezsana Gikovszki, Ildikó Boros, Cristina Balaban, Jaclyn Ann Higgins, Kristina Starostina, Jesiica Carulla Leon, Zsuzsanna Papp, Adrienn Pap

Conductor: Ádám Medveczky

Director: András Aczél

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