On 11 April 2016, the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra performs a special concert in the memory of Miklós Ybl, the extraordinary architect who designed the Opera House.
On 31 March 2016, the 2nd International Iván Nagy Ballet Gala takes place at the Opera House in memorian of the internationally renowned ballet dancer and ballet director. The gala features guest soloist from leading European companies as well as the stars of the Hungarian National Ballet.
The Hungarian State Opera holds a general audition in two rounds for singers of all registers.
It is the obligation of the Hungarian State Opera House, by virtue of its rank and status as a national institution, to support the performance of opera around the country. It was this recognition that in 2013 gave rise to the week-long Primavera series, in which each of the companies invited to participate will feature their latest pieces at the Erkel Theatre.
With the 6 March premiere of Die Walküre, the Ring Cycle directed by Géza M. Tóth that was started last year continues. The production features brilliant Hungarian Wagner singers as well as three international guest stars. It is conducted by Péter Halász.
In the 18 February, 2016 performance of Faust due to the illness of Andrea Rost, the role of Marguerite is sung by Romanian-Swiss soprano, Elena Moşuc.
The Hungarian State Opera starts its own radio station. A thematic station that solely broadcasts opera and ballet music has so far been missing from the Hungarian selection.
An all-star cast is featured in the new production of Lee Hall and Elton John's Billy Elliot – the Musical at the Erkel Theatre. The musical has been seen by more than 5 million people in London since its 2005 premiere, and 11 million people worldwide. In the Hungarian premiere of the piece on 29 July, 2016, András Stohl and Eszter Csákányi star. The production is directed by Tamás Szirtes.
Plácido Domingo's first appearance on the stage of the Budapest Opera House was seen by 1214 guests at the Shakespeare Gala on 6 February.
With La bohème 2.0, a production premieres at the Erkel Theatre that has already gained significant critical response on the international opera scene. Its director, Damiano Michieletto is regarded as one of the most exciting and sought-after young opera directors of our times.
The new season will continue the series of chamber operas performed in the Sir Georg Solti Hall at the Liszt Music Academy. This time, we pursue the theme of love in classical Greece, and in an unusual format as well: two operas by different composers – Gluck and Bertoni – will treat the myth of Orpheus in two different ways. Premiere: 5 Februray, 2016.