Komlósi35

Many people seem to remember Ildikó Komlósi as having been on the stage from a very early age, from early on in her studies. The fact is, though, that she left plenty of time for years of training at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and for maturing as an artist, and it was only in 1984 that she signed with the Hungarian State Opera. At the time, the institution was only operating at the Erkel Theatre, because the Opera House on Andrássy Avenue was undergoing renovations and would only reopen some months later, a situation that is similar to today’s. In the 35 years that have passed since then, the mezzo-soprano has made a fantastic career for herself, one that earned her the Kossuth Prize in 2016, although this recognition of her lifetime achievements should by no means be taken to indicate that the end is at hand.
For this occasion marking her 35th anniversary with the Opera, Komlósi has compiled her own programme and the list of artists she wishes to have join her on stage. Instead of singing a series of arias and songs, she has elected to make each half of the evening an extended excerpt from an opera that has played a crucial part in her career.

Partnering with her in Verdi’s Aida will be András Palerdi, her regular Bluebeard. The condensed version of Carmen, on the other hand, will feature – apart from Géza Gábor, Orsolya Sáfár, Zsófia Kálnay, Máté Fülep, Károly Szemerédy and József Mukk – Marco Berti, who has appeared in several DVD recordings with Komlósi, including Aida.

Featuring the dancers of Varidance: Albert Hernicz, Balázs Perger,  Gergő Simon, Krisztián Széchenyi, Zsolt Végső
Artistic director, choreographer: Bertalan Vári

Also featuring the artists of the FlamenCorazónArte Dance Theatre: Zsófia Pirók (flamenco dance), Andrea Lippai (flamenco dance) and Alex Torres (flamenco guitar)

This production directed by András Almási-Tóth and conducted by Kálmán Szennai promises to be an unparalleled one at the Erkel Theatre.

Featuring the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra.