The "carnival" season begins at the OPERA: starting from 28 June 2025, Verdi’s popular classic will return to the programme, starring Adorján Pataky and Boldizsár László, Zsuzsanna Ádám and Adrienn Miksch, as well as Károly Szemerédy and Attila Mókus. In this spectacular production featuring period costumes and sets, the ensembles of the OPERA will perform under the baton of Gergely Kesselyák.
A political assassination sparked by a jealousy-driven drama at the 18th-century Swedish royal court, accompanied by Verdi’s brilliant music and operatic hits, presented in a visually rich, colorful production. This is what Un ballo in maschera offers, with a title and theme that symbolize hypocrisy and intrigue in a unique way. Gustavo, the King of Sweden, initiates an affair with the wife of his best friend and confidant, Amelia, without any remorse. Although reluctant at first, Amelia reciprocates the king’s feelings, and even when she is exposed by her husband, Renato, she insists on her innocence. Humiliated, the secretary continues to pose as the king’s friend but, driven by revenge, joins the conspirators. The current production was first staged by the OPERA in 2018 in a period-accurate, traditional rendition by Fabio Ceresa, and its popularity has remained unbroken ever since.
The Hungarian State Opera presents the work with a top-tier cast: Adorján Pataky and Zsuzsanna Ádám have been performing the roles of Gustavo and Amelia for three years, while Boldizsár László and Adrienn Miksch have been singing them for six. This year, Károly Szemerédy debuts as Renato, and Attila Mókus, a member of the Vienna State Opera, returns following his debut last year. The striking costume of Ulrica, the fortune-telling witch, will be worn for the first time by Ildikó Komlósi and Erika Gál. Oscar’s famous page aria will be performed by Zita Szemere and Eszter Zemlényi. The OPERA ensembles will be conducted by Gergely Kesselyák, who is returning to conduct Un ballo in maschera after nearly 20 years.
Photo by Valter Berecz
