Hungarian State Opera House and Hungarian National Ballet
It is only in the setting of the Hungarian State Opera that one can experience the resonant, perfect harmony of music, literature, dance, fine and applied arts, theatre and architecture.
Designed by Miklós Ybl, the Hungarian Royal Opera was opened - befitting its name - by the then reigning King of Hungary and Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph, on 27 September 1884. Ever since then it has been considered to be one of the world's most beautiful opera houses: for its excellent acoustics, well-designed air-conditioning system, and for its proportioned and practical design it holds a unique place in 19th century Hungarian architecture. This primus inter pares institution is truly a national treasure.
As it is the only theatre that has a sizeable cast at its disposable which specialises particularly in operas and ballets, the Hungarian State Opera holds a very prominent status within Hungary. Since its opening 124 years ago, the most renowned singers and ballet performers have appeared on its stage, such as the most famous tenors from Caruso through to Gigli, from Pavarotti, Domingo to Carreras.
It is one of the few theatres in Europe to perform a huge repertory of plays, in addition to fulfilling its special mission by performing national plays and by continuing to hold within its repertoir the most famous plays of universal literature.
Premieres for the 2008-2009 season
October 4th, 2008 at 11am & 3pm
Ránki György: King Pomade's new clothes
Opera for children, in 2 parts, in Hungarian
October 5th, 11th 2008.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Fidelio
Opera, in 2 acts, in Hungarian
November 8th, 9th 2008. - Thália Theatre
Georges Bizet: Carmen
Musical drama, 1 part, in Hungarian
November 15th, 16th 2008.
Ludwig Minkusz - Marius Petipa: La bayadére
Ballet, in 3 acts
November 22nd, 28th 2008.
Giacomo Puccini: Manon Lescaut
Opera, in4 acts, in Italian
February 13th, 14th 2009.
Gioacchino Rossini: The barber of Seville
Comic Opera, in 2 acts, in Italian
February 21st., 22nd 2009. - Thália Theatre
Kurt Weill: Rise and fall of city of Mahagonny
Opera, in 2 acts, in Hungarian
March 7th, 8th 2009.
Sz. Rahmanyinov-M. Muszorgszkij-R. Wagner-Boris Eifman: The Karamazovs
Ballet, in 2 acts
March 29th 2009.
Joseph Haydn: L'anima del filosofo ossia Orfeo ed Euridice
Opera, 4 acts, in 2 parts, in Italian
April 30th, May 15th 2009.
Georg Friedrich Händel: Xerxes
Opera, in 3 acts, in Italian and Hungarian
May 31st 2009.
Giuseppe Verdi: I vespri siciliani
Opera, in 3 parts, in Italian
For a more detailed programme: www.opera.hu/
Visiting the Opera
Guided tours of the Budapest Opera House take place daily at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Hungarian. These tours are specially designed for individual tourists. For groups of more than 10 people, by prior reservation, we offer tours throughout the day, usually between 9 am and 5 pm in accordance with rehearsals and performances in the Opera House. For reservations and information the number is +36-1-332-8197 or contact us by e-mail latogatas@operabal.com.
Prices for 2008:
- Adults 2600 HUF/person
- Students (with International Student Card,ISIC) 1400 HUF/person
20 % VAT and guided tour included. Free for children under the age of 6.
Further information: www.operavisit.hu
Ticket information
Hungarian State Opera House
Organization Department
1061 Budapest Andrássy út 22. - (Entrance from DalszÃnház utca)
Tel.: +36-1-332-7914 Tel., Fax: +36-1-472-0449
Opening hours: weekdays 10 a.m — 5 p.m.
E-mail: jegy@opera.hu, ticket@opera.hu
Box Office: Opera House
1061 Budapest, VI., Andrássy út 22.
Tel.: +36-1-353-0170
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until the beginning of the performance (or until 5 p.m. on days when there is no performance); on Sunday and holidays from 4 p.m. until the beginning of the performance. Before matinée performances the box office opens at 10 a.m.
Bank cards accepted.
Ticket prices: www.opera.hu
Source of pictures: www.1hungary.com
