The 13th and final opera by the internationally renowned contemporary composer, who died in March 2024 was awarded in the category of best world premiere at the awards ceremony held on 2 October at Munich's Prinzregententheater. The recording of the production is available again on OperaVision until 2 December.
Upon accepting the award, director Bence Varga thanked everyone who contributed to the performance of the Hungarian State Opera House, including Mari Mezei, the composer's widow and librettist, and conductor Kálmán Szennai, both of whom joined Varga on stage. The director also paid tribute to the composer, who passed away at the age of 80, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and called on those present to preserve his memory.
Péter Eötvös was commissioned by the Hungarian State Opera in 2018 to compose his 13th and only opera in Hungarian. The work by the internationally acclaimed contemporary composer and conductor who passed away in March 2024 is based on the 1989 novel The Melancholy of Resistance by László Krasznahorkai, winner of the International Man Booker Prize. The libretto was developed by Péter Eötvös and his wife and constant creative partner Mari Mezei, along with dramaturg Kinga Keszthelyi. The production was directed by Bence Varga, the visuals, reminiscent of the second half of the 20th century, were created by set designer Botond Devich, costume designer Kató Huszár,and lighting designer Sándor Baumgartner. The title role ofValuska was originated by Chamber Singer Zsolt Haja, further cast included Adrienn Miksch, Tünde Szabóki, András Hábetler, and Krisztián Cser. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus were conducted by Kálmán Szennai. Despite his serious illness, Péter Eötvös played a major part in the preparation of the production and attended the world premiere at the Eiffel Art Studios on 2 December 2023 making it his final public appearance.
The production that gained significant Hungarian and international critical acclaim and was also streamed on OperaVision for six months earlier this year now returns to the platform where it remains available until 2 December 2024.
Photo by Attila Nagy
