Anna Netrebko, Ildiko Komlósi, Freddie De Tommaso, Asmik Grigorian, Ludovic Tézier, Aigul Akhmetshina, Michael Volle Headline Hungarian State Opera’s 2025-26 Season
By David SalazarThe Hungarian State Opera has announced its 2025-26 season.
New Productions
“Lohengrin” will get a new production by András Almási-Tóth. Martin Rajna conducts two separate casts starring Christopher Sokolowski, Szabolcs Brickner, Johanni van Oostrum, Klára Kolonits, Egils Siliņš, Károly Szemerédy, Judit Kutasi, and Szilvia Rálik, among others.
Performance Dates: Nov. 15-20, 2025
There will be a world premiere double bill featuring János Vajda’s “The Verdict” and György Selmeczi’s “Royal Highness.” The cast for “The Verdict” includes Péter Balczó, Antal Cseh, Mártia Farkasréti, István Rácz, and Szilveszter Szélpál. “Royal Highness” performers include Attila Erdös, Viktória Mester, Zoltán Bátki Fazekas, István Kovács, and István Rácz. Maté Szabó directs.
Performance Dates: April 11-19, 2026
Next up is a new production of “Fidelio,” directed by Tobias Kratzer. The opera stars two casts of artists, including Krisztián Cser, Károly Szemerédy, Zsolt Haja, Pavel Černoch, István Kovácsházi, Andrea Szántó, Szilvia Rálik, András Palerdi, and András Kiss, among others. Péter Halász conducts.
Performance Dates: April 18 – 25, 2026
Tóth Péter’s “The Beauty and the Beast” will also get its world premiere. Nikolett Hajzer conducts, and Attila Toronkyöy directs.
Performance Dates: May 9 – 23, 2026
Kriszta Széleky will direct “Così fan tutte.” The cast includes Ildikó Megyimórecz, Zsófia Kálnay, Botond Ódor, Attila Dobák, Erika Miklósa, and István Kovács. Levente Török conducts.
Performance Dates: May 15 – 23, 2026
Revivals
“Le Nozze di Figaro” stars Azat Malik, Gyula Orendt, Natália Tuznik, Andrea Brassói-Jőrös, Bence Pataki, Csaba Sándor, Boglárka Brindás, and Rita Rácz, among others. Dárius Teremi conducts.
Performance Dates: Sept. 13 – 21, 2025
“The Little Sweep” stars László Szvétek, Andrea Meláth, Eszter Zemlényi, Dániel Tanka, Anna Zsófia Forrai, Vince Göblyös, and Natália Tanka. Nikolett Hajzer conducts.
Performance Dates: Sept. 28 – Nov. 15, 2025
János Kovác leads a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with Natália Tuznik, Eszter Sümegi, Zita Szemere, Ildikó Komlósi, Atala Schöck, Dániel Pataky, Michele Kalmandy, and Krisztián Cser as the soloists.
Performance Dates: Oct. 1, 2025
“Turandot” stars Szilvia Rálik, Csilla Boross, Dénes Gulyás, András Palerdi, Boldizsár László, Giorgi Sturua, Polina Pasztircsák, and Gabriella Létay Kiss. Martin Rajna conducts.
Performance Dates: Oct. 4 – 12, 2025
There will be a junior version of “Stephen the King.” Nikolett Hajzer conducts a cast starring Botond Takács, András Deim, Fülöp Gergely Takács, Dániel Várnai, Luca Gábor, and Szofi Tóth.
Performance Dates: Oct. 11 – 23, 2025
Next up is “Schicchi 2.0.” István Dénes and Gergely Madaras conduct a cast headlined by Csaba Szegedi, Laura Topolánszky, Anija Lombard, Zsuzsanna Kapi, Erika Gál, Gergely Boncsér, and Barna Bartos.
Performance Dates: Oct. 14- 17, 2025
“Best of Puccini” also includes “Schicchi 2.0.” Performers include Csaba Szegedi, Attila Mókus, Barna Bartos, Gergely Boncsér, Zsuzsanna Kapi, Laura Topolánszky, and Erika Gál, among others. Attila Toronykőy directs.
Performance Dates: Oct. 15, 2025 – August 18, 2026
“Valuska” takes the stage with Kálmán Szennai conducting. The cast includes Zsolt Haja, Adrienn Mikschm Tünde Szabóki, Mária Farkasréti, and András Hábetler.
Performance Dates: Oct. 17-24, 2025
Verdi’s “Requiem” will also be presented in Ádám Tulassay’s staging. The production is conducted by Jiri Habart and stars Zsuzsanna Ádám, Erika Gál, István Kovácsházi, and Gosh Sargsyan.
Performance Dates: Nov. 2 & 4, 2025
Audiences will also get a chance to check out “Die Zauberflöte,” conducted by
Péter Halász. The opera stars István Kovács, András Palerdi, Péter Fried, István Horváth, Gergely Ujvári, Judit Lőrincz, Regina Koncz, Polina Pasztircsák, and Zita Szemere.
Performance Dates: Nov. 22 – Dec. 19, 2025
Then comes “Artaban.” The opera will be conducted by Gergely Dubóczky and stars Gabriella Létay Kiss, Lőrinc Kósa, Boldizsár Zajkás, Dávid Dani, and Zoltán Rátóti.
Performance Dates: Dec. 5 – 21, 2025
“Hungarian Christmas” stars András Palerdi, Csaba Szegedi, Anna Csenge Fürjes, Veronika Szabó, Anna Zsófia Forrai, Andor Kriston, Lorina Jobbágy, and András Deim. Nikolett Hajzer conducts.
Performance Dates: Dec. 6-17, 2025
Puccini’s classic “La Bohème” will get a revival as well. Martin Rajna conducts a cast starring Andrei Danilov, Gergely Boncsér, Adorján Pataki, Lilla Horti, Polina Pasztircsák, Csaba Sándor, Csaba Szegedi, Rita Rácz, and Zita Szemere.
Performance Dates: Dec. 13 – 27, 2025
A children’s edition of “The Magic Flute,” titled “Parázsfuvoláscka,” will take the stage with Dárius Teremi conducting. The cast stars Dávid Dani, Gergely Ujvári, Judit Lőrincz, Laura Topolánszky, and Attila Dobák.
Performance Dates: Dec. 14- 28, 2025
Händel’s “Messiah” gets performances with Kálmán Strausz conducting and Gabriella Balga, Atala Schöck, Tibor Szappanos, and István Kovács as the soloists.
Performance Dates: Dec. 21 & 22, 2025
Bringing in the New Year is “Stephen the King.” The cast stars Zoltán Nyári, Barna Bartos, Andrea Ulbrich, Andrea Meláth, Kinga Kriszta, Attila Dobák, and Csaba Szegedi. Gergely Kesselyák conducts.
Performance Dates: Dec. 31, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026
“Bastien und Bastienne” is up next in a double bill with “The Telephone.” Dárius Teremi conducts the operas. Both pieces feature Gergely Halász and Eszter Zemlényi.
Performance Dates: Jan. 18 – April 11, 2026
Verdi’s “Aida” gets a turn on the stage with Martin Rajna conducting. The cast includes Eszter Sümegi, Csilla Boross, Boldizsár László, Adorján Pataki, Géza Gábor, Michele Kalmandy, Alexandru Agache, Ildikó Komlósi, and Erika Gál.
Performance Dates: Jan. 24 – Feb. 1, 2026
“Tosca” is next up on the slate. Gergely Kesselyák conducts a cast starring Zsuzsanna Ádám, Natália Tuznik, Boldizsár László, Szabolcs Brickner, and Károly Szemerédy.
Performance Dates: Feb. 7 – 24, 2026
“Il Campanello” gets a few performances. The cast includes Zsuzsanna Kapi, László Szvétek, Mária Farkasréti, Zsolt Haja, and Gergely Halász.
Performance Dates: Feb. 10 – 13, 2026
Bence Pataki, Gabriella Balga, Péter Balczó, Melinda Heiter, Eszter Zemlényi, Botond Pál, and Gergely Halász star in “L’oca del Cairo ossia Lo sposo deluso.”
Performance Dates: Feb. 20 – 28, 2026
Bel canto enthusiasts will get a chance to see “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Taking on the title role are Erika Miklósa and Zita Szemere. Joining them in the cast are István Horváth, Adorján Pataki, Michele Kalmandy, and Alexandru Agache. János Kovács conducts.
Performance Dates: Feb. 28 – March 8, 2026
“Carmina Burana” will be conducted by Tibor Boganyi and Dániel Erdélyi. Soloists include Zsuzsanna Kapi, Orsolya Sáfár, Erika Miklósa, Andrea Meláth, Gabriella Balga, Mária Farkasréti, Csaba Szegedi, and Zsolt Haja.
Performance Dates: Feb. 28 – June 13, 2026
Then comes “Rigoletto” with Andrei Danilov, Gergely Boncsér, Michele Kalmandy, Alexandru Agache, Zita Szemere, and Laura Topolánszky.
Performance Dates: March 1 – 28, 2026
Next up is “Bánk Bán.” Adam Cser conducts a cast starring István Kovácsházi, Boldizsár László, Károly Szemerédy, Erika Gál, Andrea Ulbrich, Zita Szemere, and Rita Rácz.
Performance Dates: March 7 – 15, 2026
There will be a series of performances of Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” with Zoltán Pad conducting and István Kovács, Tibor Szappanos, Eszter Zemlényi, Atala Schöck, István Horváth, and Bence Pataki as the soloists.
Performance Dates: March 29 – April 2, 2026
“Parsifal” will be the only other Wagner offering. Constantin Trinks conducts a cast starring Michele Kalmandy, Péter Fried, István Kovácsházi, András Palerdi, Károly Szemerédy, and Andrea Szántó.
Performance Dates: April 1 – 5, 2026
There will be an Easter with Mascagni concert featuring the “Messa di Gloria” and “Cavalleria Rusticana.” István Dénes conducts a cast that includes Szabolcs Brickner, Szabolcs Brickner, Csaba Szegedi, Gabriella Létay Kiss, Anna Csenge Fürjes, Csaba Szegedi, and Melinda Heiter.
Performance Dates: April 4 -10, 2026
“Don Giovanni” will be featured with Károly Szemerédy, Zsolt Haja, István Rácz, Orsolya Sáfár, István Horváth, István Horváth, Mária Celeng, Lilla Horti, Krisztián Cser, Csaba Sándor, Bence Pataki, Eszter Zemlényi, and Anija Lombard. Gabor Hontvari conducts.
Performance Dates: May 9 – 17, 2026
“Der Schauspieldirektor” stars Zoltán Bátki Fazekas, Géza Gábor, László Szvétek, Tibor Szappanos, Gergely Ujvári, Zsuzsanna Kapi, Rita Rácz, and Zita Szemere. Johannes Marsovszky and Dárius Teremi conduct.
Performance Dates: May 12 – 15, 2026
Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” will get some showcases. Péter Halász conducts a cast starring Viktória Mester, Gabriella Balga, Vassilis Kavayas, András Palerdi, András Kiss, Kinga Kriszta, and Csaba Sándor.
Performance Dates: May 23 – 31, 2026
Mozart’s “Die Enthführung aus dem Serail” gets a revival with Laura Topolánszky, Boglárka Brindás, Artúr Szeleczki, Balázs Papp, and Dénes Gulyás starring.
Performance Dates: May 24 – 31, 2026
Next up is “Macbeth.” Martin Rajna conducts a cast starring Attila Mókus, Michele Kalmandy, Anna Netrebko, Csilla Boross, Sándor Köpeczi, and Szabolcs Brickner.
Performance Dates: June 7 – 12, 2026
The company will present “La Traviata” with Ildikó Megyimórecz, Orsolya Sáfár, Klára Kolonits, Gergely Boncsér, Barna Bartos, Szabolcs Brickner, Michele Kalmandy, and Alexandru Agache. István Dénes and Levente Török conduct.
Performance Dates: June 20 – July 9, 2026
“Madama Butterfly” is also revived with Gabriella Balga, Gabriella Létay Kiss, Kinga Kriszta, Gergely Boncsér, Boldizsár László, Csaba Sándor, Csaba Szegedi, Andrea Szántó, and Erika Gál. István Dénes conducts.
Performance Dates: July 11 – July 22, 2026
Concerts
Martin Rajna leads the Opera141 gala concert.
Performance Dates: Sept. 26 – 28, 2025
“Golden Age: Wagner” will feature Act one of “Die Walküre” with István Kovácsházi, Eszter Sümegi, and Krisztián Cser. Atala Schöck will perform the “Wesendonck Lieder.” Péter Halász conducts.
Performance Dates: Oct. 11 & 12, 2025
Jánoc Kovács conducts the “Solti Gala With Stars.”
Performance Dates: Oct. 19, 2025
Ludovic Tézier will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Nov. 9, 2025
The Hungarian singers present Wagner showcase will feature Eszter Sümegi, Szilvia Rálik, Atala Schöck, István Kovácsházi, Michele Kalmandy, and István Rácz.
Performance Dates: Nov. 16, 2025
Ildikó Komlósi will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Nov. 30, 2025
Gábor Bretz will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Dec. 7, 2025
“Golden Age: Beethoven” will feature a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Polina Pasztircsák, Atala Schöck, István Kovácsházi, and Krisztián Cser as the soloists. Martin Rajna conducts.
Performance Dates: Jan. 1 & 17, 2026
Ilona Tokody will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Jan. 24, 2026
Freddie De Tommaso will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Jan. 25, 2026
“Golden Age: Mozart” will feature excerpts from operas and symphonic works. Péter Halász conducts
Performance Dates: Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2026
Asmik Grigorian will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Feb. 13, 2026
There will be a public opera recording of “King Stephen” with Mária Farkasréti, Adorján Pataki, Csaba Szegedi, Csaba Sándor, and Gergely Ujvári.
Performance Dates: Feb. 15, 2026
Gyöngyi Lukács will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: Feb. 21, 2026
“Ybl 212: My homeland, my homeland, you mean everything to me” will be a recital dedicated to Hungarian arias. Gabriella Balga, Klára Kolonits, Lilla Horti, Botond Pál (opera studio), Csaba Szegedi, and Péter Fried perform.
Performance Dates: March 14, 2026
Aigul Akhmetshina and Long Long will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: March 22, 2026
Eszter Sümegi will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: March 29, 2026
Erika Miklósa will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: April 4, 2026
Nadine Sierra will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: April 11, 2026
Michele Kalmandy will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: April 12, 2026
The Hungarian singers present a Beethoven performance with star Gabriella Balga, Zsuzsanna Ádám, Zsófia Kálnay, Artúr Szeleczki, and Adorján Pataki.
Performance Dates: April 19, 2026
Michael Volle will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: May 3, 2026
The Hungarian singers present a Mozart showcase which will feature Gabriella Balga, Andrea Brassói-Jőrös, Kinga Kriszta, Tibor Szappanos, and Péter Fried.
Performance Dates: May 10, 2026
Klára Kolonits will headline an aria and song recital.
Performance Dates: May 24, 2026
Henrik Nanasi leads the “Gurre-Lieder” with such soloists as Tünde Szabóki, István Kovácsházi, Atala Schöck, Gergely Ujvári, Zsolt Haja, and Dénes Gulyás.
Performance Dates: May 24, 2026
