The new, versatile online series of the Hungarian State Opera kicked off in September 2020 after a new temporary lockdown had to be implemented by the institute to protect its artists and audience. On the one hand, this new alternative programme attempted to make up for the cancelled performances and tried to provide operatic experience for the fans of the genre. On the other hand, the new arrangement was the safest possible solution to protect the artists from contracting the virus. The free performances are available on Facebook.
OperaWednesday
Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. we broadcast highlights of the operas that had to be cancelled. Viewers can see the most important excerpts featuring soloists of the Hungarian State Opera accompanied by piano. To enhance the experience, the costumes and parts of the sets created for the productions will also feature in these broadcasts as well as further solo instruments and chorus on occasion. The highlights are narrated (in Hungarian) by musicologist Dániel Mona.
Terzet-Trio
On Mondays, at 8 p.m., the programme entitled Terzet-Trio gives the chance to the ensembles of the Opera to shine: the Opera Chorus sings choral pieces, and the Opera Orchestra gives chamber concerts. The 60-minute show is a great opportunity for the artists to prove themselves as soloists as well. The events are hosted by Melitta Gyüdi, presenter of the TV programme Opera Café.
Masquerade
The programme entitled Masquerade (referring to the word 'mask'), was a series of exclusive aria recitals by leading soloists of the Opera twice a week between September 2020 and March 2021. The one-hour programmes featured pieces compiled by the singers themselves accompanied on the piano by a répétiteur of the institute. In the 2020 episodes, stars of the recitals were mostly Chamber Singers of the institute, who were joined on stage by guest artists. From 2021, further singers appeared in joint aria recitals. The performances were hosted by Dániel Mona, Melitta Gyüdi, or general director Szilveszter Ókovács.
Special performances
From time to time, the Hungarian State Opera organises special galas, unique productions and Christmas shows, which can also be viewed on Facebook and Origo.hu.
For details on the individual performances, click on the names of the series in the upper menu.