The paid Opera Stream service continues in February with a selection of a classical ballet, an opera-musical as well as contemporary pieces. Tickets for the performances available to view only once due to the pandemic can be purchased on jegy.hu.
Although the guidelines regarding the pandemic situation do not allow theatres to have public performances, the Hungarian State Opera aims to have its premieres take place online every Saturday in its Opera Stream series.
On 6 February 2021 at 8:00 p.m. CET the premiere of Flames of Paris, the brand new production of the Hungarian National Ballet can be viewed online. The emblematic piece created by Vasily Vaionen is set in the time of the French Revolution, sweeping in its power and tempo. For the new production featuring sets by Oleg Molchanov (based on original designs by Vyacheslav Okunev) and costumes by Nóra Rományi, Michael Messerer reconceives the piece for the company. The cast includes Étoiles Tatiana Melnik and Gergely Leblanc, the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra is conducted by Balázs Kocsár.
The staged world premiere of The Master and Margarita, an opera-musical by Levente Gyöngyösi can be viewed from 8:00 p.m. CET on 13 February 2021, in the Opera Stream series. The surreal story of Bulgakov’s novel comes to life in a special musical format, under the direction of Vajk Szente, with sets and costumes designed by Kentaur. The titles roles are originated by Péter Balczó and Orsolya Sáfár. The cast also features dancers of the Hungarian National Ballet, artists of the Hungarian Circus and Variety Show (MACIVA). The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus (chorus master: Gábor Csiki) are conducted by Gábor Hollerung.
From 8:00 p.m. CET on 20 February 2021, viewers of the Opera Stream series can see the premiere of Don Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi. The new Hungarian State Opera production is directed by internationally acclaimed director Frank Hilbrich. The performance featuring sets by Volker Thiele focuses on individual emotions and spiritual resonance in the piece. The main roles are performed by outstanding soloists Gábor Bretz (Philip II), Gaston Rivero (Don Carlo) and Csaba Szegedi (Marquis of Posa). The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus (chorus master: Gábor Csiki) are conducted by Balázs Kocsár.
On the last Saturday of the month, from 8:00 p.m. CET on 27 February 2021, Jake Heggie's acclaimed opera, Dead Man Walking can be viewed online. The piece based on the actual events related in Sister Helen Prejean’s world-famous book is directed by András Almási-Tóth featuring projected scenery and costumes by Krisztina Lisztopád. The roles of Helen Prejean and the convict Joseph de Rocher are performed by Andrea Meláth and Máté-Sólyom Nagy. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Chorus (chorus master: Gábor Csiki) and Children's Chorus (chorus master: Nikolett Hajzer) are conducted by Kornél Thomas.
Beside paid stream service, free performances are also available on the Facebook page of the Opera: chamber pieces at 8:00 p.m. on Mondays in Terzet-Trio, aria recitals at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays in Masquerade can be seen featuring musicians, chorus members and soloists of the Hungarian State Opera.
For further information on the paid performances and tickets CLICK HERE.
Photo by Valter Berecz (Dead Man Walking)
