Photo: AFP/APA Picturedesk/Starpix
Eurasia/MTI
25/01/2026 21:03
One of the world’s leading sopranos will appear in Hungary for the first time in a fully staged production. The other principal roles will be sung by Mihály Kálmándy, Szabolcs Brickner, and Sándor Köpeczi. The Orchestra and Chorus of the Hungarian State Opera will be conducted by Principal Conductor Martin Rajna, the opera house announced on Friday in a statement to MTI.
Tickets for the performances will go on sale at the Hungarian State Opera on 4 February 2026 at 10 a.m., with advance sales starting on 3 February at 10 a.m.
Anna Netrebko has been a defining prima donna of the international opera scene for more than two decades, thanks to her exceptional voice, unparalleled charisma, and captivating stage presence. Following numerous gala evenings, concert performances of operas, and symphonic concerts, Hungarian audiences will now be able to see her for the first time in a fully staged production in the role of Lady Macbeth.
In this weighty role from Verdi’s opera, Netrebko achieved her first major success in 2014 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and most recently appeared as Lady Macbeth in 2023 at La Scala in Milan.
The Budapest production was premiered by the Hungarian State Opera in February 2025, conducted by Principal Conductor Martin Rajna and staged by South African director Matthew Wild. Inspired by Shakespeare’s drama, the visually striking production combines traditional and contemporary elements with projection technology and has been well received by both audiences and critics.
As with her previous appearances, Anna Netrebko’s stage partners on this occasion will also be outstanding Hungarian artists. The role of Macbeth will be performed by Mihály Kálmándy, a Kossuth Prize-winning permanent member and master artist of the Opera House. Banquo will be portrayed by Sándor Köpeczi, born in Cluj-Napoca, while the role of Macduff will be sung by Szabolcs Brickner, a chamber singer of the Opera House’s 2023/24 season.
