One of the most significant artists in opera history, Plácido Domingo returns to the Hungarian State Opera on 23 September 2026 with a gala devoted to the music of Verdi. Joining the world-renowned singer for the evening are soprano Orsolya Sáfár, mezzo-soprano Viktória Mester, tenor Szabolcs Brickner, and bass Krisztián Cser. The performance features the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus conducted by István Dénes. Pre-sale for members of the Opera’s loyalty programme opens on 23 July, while general ticket sales begin on 24 July.
Few composers are as closely associated with Plácido Domingo’s extraordinary career as Giuseppe Verdi. From his greatest triumphs as a tenor to his internationally acclaimed interpretations of Verdi’s baritone roles, the Spanish artist has spent decades bringing the composer’s heroes and tragic protagonists to life on the world’s leading opera stages. The September gala offers a broad survey of Verdi’s oeuvre, with Domingo performing iconic baritone roles from Nabucco, Macbeth, La forza del destino, La traviata, Don Carlos, Simon Boccanegra, and Il trovatore.
The programme also features some of Hungary’s leading opera artists, several of whom have previously worked with the celebrated singer. Soprano Orsolya Sáfár appeared alongside Domingo at gala concerts presented by the Opera in 2016 and 2022. Tenor Szabolcs Brickner and bass Krisztián Cser achieved great success in Simon Boccanegra in 2022, which also marked Domingo’s first fully staged appearance at the Opera House. Mezzo-soprano Viktória Mester is to share the stage with Domingo for the first time. The performance, celebrating the dramatic power and enduring popularity of Verdi’s music, is conducted by István Dénes, at the helm of the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
Plácido Domingo’s relationship with Hungarian audiences spans more than half a century. He first appeared at the Erkel Theatre in 1973 and again in 1987, later giving concerts at the Népstadion, the Arena, and in Szeged, while also introducing himself to Hungarian audiences in baritone repertoire. His connection with the Hungarian State Opera has become particularly close in recent years. In 2009, during the Budapest finals of the Operalia International Singing Competition, which he founded, he conducted the Opera Orchestra. He returned to the podium at the Opera House’s reopening in 2022, once again leading the ensemble as conductor. In the same year, he made his first fully staged appearance at the Opera House in the title role of Simon Boccanegra. In 2023, he enjoyed considerable success performing highlights from Nabucco and also made recordings at the Opera’s Eiffel Art Studios.
Tickets for the gala featuring Plácido Domingo on 23 September 2026 are available to registered members of the Opera’s loyalty programme from 23 July, while general sales start on 24 July.
Photo by Attila Nagy
