The Hungarian State Opera House was reopened with a festive gala on Saturday following an extensive refurbishment. The opening ceremony was attended by incumbent President János Áder, President-elect Katalin Novák and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Addressing the event, President Áder spoke about the 138-year history of the Opera House, one of the masterpieces of eminent 19th-century architect Miklós Ybl. “What a variety of events this building has witnessed and survived: wars and revolutions, conquerors and various forms of government, occupations and regained freedoms. Several directors who brought about a golden age of opera and some who were certainly unworthy of their post. Old and new, conservative and progressive styles,” the president said. “But eventually, it was the valuable that prevailed. And those who wanted to work on the highest possible standard … and knew that the performance of the Budapest opera should be a match for the best in Europe,” he added.
Photo credit: MTI