Budapest and Music : In the 17th and 18th centuries, the courts often had their own opera and theatre companies which employed foreign musicians. The most well-known example of this is the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn who worked in the court of Prince Esterházy for thirty years. The 19th century saw the emergence of Hungarian opera with Ferenc Erkel (who was also the composer of the Hungarian national anthem).

In spite of German influence, figures such as Ruzitska, Doppler and Mosonyi stand out. But the most famous Hungarian composer remains Franz Liszt, whose exceptional virtuosity was celebrated throughout Europe.

Bela Bartók and Zoltán Kodály, by drawing their inspiration from Hungarian folk traditions, attained international fame. In our own times, leading Hungarian figures of contemporary music are György Ligeti, György Kurtag, Peter Eötvös to whom, with "Three Sisters", we owe one of the last great operatic successes of the 20th century…

Music has always held a special importance in this country which has many concert halls and classical or folk orchestras...

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Built in 1884, by the architect Miklós Ybl on the plans of the Staatsoper of Vienna, it was the most modern European theatre of its time. For the first time in the world, the wooden stage machinery from the Baroque era was replaced by a metal system operated by hydraulic power. The building was inaugurated in the presence of Franz Joseph with the works of Erkel. It has been directed by the greatest conductors such as Gustav Mahler and Arthur Nikisch, but also Massenet, Delibes or Puccini who came here to perform their operas. In 1984, one hundred years after it first opened, the fully renovated State Opera House reopened its doors. With a strong company, first-class operas and ballets are performed here.

Budapest Müpa

Müpa Budapest is one of Hungary's best known and most modern cultural institutions. It brings together the many and varied disciplines of the arts in unique fashion by providing a home for classical, contemporary, popular and world music, not to mention jazz and opera, as well as contemporary circus, dance, literature and film and of course the Spring music Festival every year.

Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir
The national philharmonic orchestra, founded in 1923, soon became one of the pillars of Hungary’s musical life. After the war, Ferenc Fricsay and László Somogyi were the leading conductors and Otto Klemperer and Antál Doráti were regular guests.

From the 1950s onwards, the orchestra had great success abroad. János Ferencsik brought a new dimension to the orchestra by inviting top conductors (Ernest Ansermet, Lorin Maazel, Leopold Stokowski, Claudio Abbado, Christoph von Dohnányi…) and hosting leading soloists. Increasing numbers of concerts of contemporary music are being put on under the influence of Peter Eötvös (permanent guest). Zoltán Kocsis, an eminent figure in Hungarian musical life, was appointed musical director in 1997.

The role of the orchestra, which includes some of Hungary’s most rigorous musicians (many of them are members of famous chamber orchestras), is to promote Hungarian and international symphonies, oratorios and chamber music. It also has contemporary music on the programme (particularly by Hungarian composers), and offers the best musicians opportunities to play solos.