Attila

Semi-staged opera in three acts, two parts, in Italian, with Hungarian and English surtitles

Giuseppe Verdi, the most brilliant of Italian opera's masters, created a fiery, dynamic, complex, and   distinct work of art, inspired by Attila the Hun, “the scourge of God”, the most famous of the European Huns’ grand kings. The work’s libretto was written in part by both Temistocle Solera and Francesco Maria Piave. The story is based on Zacharias Werner's 1809 drama Attila, King of the Huns. From the Paris Opera to the Metropolitan, this opera is performed all over the world.

The first performance took place on 17 March 1846, at La Fenice Opera House in Venice. It was first performed in Hungary on 7 July 1972, on the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage. The title role was sung by József Gregor, and the role of Odabella was sung by Éva Marton. The production was directed by Gian Carlo del Monaco and conducted by Lamberto Gardelli.

Now fifty years later, the story of the King of the Huns will be revived on Margaret Island this summer with star vocalists and a unique and stunning spectacle. Attila is an authentic work – fiery, passionate, and rebellious – defying everyday expression and conventional forms.

At the Margaret Island Theater in 2022, the title role will be sung by Gábor Bretz, the world-famous bass baritone, who will make his debut in this role. In 2022, the lead female role of Odabella will be sung by none other than the world-famous Italian soprano Maria Agresta. She is a regular partner of world-renown superstars such as Placido Domingo, Jonas Kaufmann, Francesco Meli, and Ludovic Tézier. As the daughter of the fallen ruler of Aquileia, the soprano playing Odabella is immediately smitten with Attila and gives him her sword in recognition of his bravery.

The director of the performance is András Aczél, who has had many successes on Hungarian opera stages. The costumes and sets are made by Kentaur, who has gained international acclaim for his musical theatrical work. The visual and light designs were made by János Madarász, an expert in this field, and the choreography is the work of János Feledi, one of the well-known choreographers of contemporary Hungarian dance.