Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Erkel Színház (Erkel Theatre)

Zita Szemere is a wonderfully ebullient Marie, but the new production at the Hungarian State Opera merits a mixed report card.

Considered Hungary's national opera, Ferenc Erkel's Bánk bán rarely travels beyond its borders, but is given a rousing performance by the Hungarian State Opera. 

The Hungarian State Opera presents a new modern production of Don Carlo by a director who depicts the historical cruelty as very much present in our world today.

A simple, noble and dramatic escape from the present day as the company dances Michael Messerer’s updated (slightly shortened) version of the Vainonen classic.

A ballet to be enjoyed for its visual spectacle, strong and purposeful choreography and a pacy momentum that builds into a rousing finale.

The Hungarian State Opera's revival of The Magic Flute lacks a little magic. 

This concert, with a running time of about two hours, was a lovely dip in the Rhine without the usual four-to-five hour Wagnerian full immersion.

The acting was patchy and the singing ranged from serviceable to laudable in this dazzling new production at the Budapest Spring Festival.

A new production of Humperdinck's charming opera fails to enchant at the Erkel Theatre. 

Show-stealing bass singing from Krisztián Cser and an immensely powerful Act 2 make a persuasive case for Verdi's neglected predecessor to Rigoletto.

Oliver von Dohnányi leads a great orchestral performance to drive Meyerbeer's grand historical epic, lit up by sparkling coloratura from Klára Kolonits.

With Gergely Kesselyák on double duty as conductor and director, this revival proves musically outstanding but theatrically less than satisfying.

The big heart and generous melodies of Ferenc Erkel's fine opera shine through in difficult circumstances in Atilla Vidnyánszky semi-abstract new staging at the Erkel Theatre.

The Hungarian National Ballet brilliantly closes the season with the world premiere of Marianna Venekei’s version of Tennessee Williams’ classic A Streetcar Named Desire on music by László Dés.

The score of Goldmark's opera is filled with lovely orchestral surprises, in addition to stunning arias, but is often filled with an abundance of slow tempos.

With a guest performance of the Komische Oper Berlin, Barrie Kosky's and Suzanne Andrade's magical production triumphs in Budapest.

With a convoluted production and uneven cast, Tamás Pál in the pit and Klára Kolonits as Erzsébet Szilágyi prove to be the highlights of the performance of this Erkel classic.

Klára Kolonits's marvellous Lucia is the only thing brightening the bleak performance of the Hungarian State Opera's new Lucia di Lammermoor.

Quality singing impresses in Puccini's opera at the Hungarian State Opera, despite a dusty staging.

Singers delight in a rare concert performance of Bellini's opera.

The big man in the fat suit rules the show, briging vigour and joie de vivre to Hungarian State Opera's Falstaff.

Inadequate production and mixed performances characterize the Hungarian State Opera's new Trovatore.

Known for her powerful interpretations of the blockbuster Italian mezzo roles, the great Hungarian diva Ildikó Komlósi dominates the new production of Aida in Budapest.

Hungarian composer Dohnányi's fourth and last opera is a comic delight, especially in the hands of the team at the Budapest Opera. 

Young bohemians give Puccini’s opera the refreshing radiance of youth. 

Excitingly conducted and largely well-sung, this sumptuous but unfussy Turandot should please both traditionalist and adventurous operagoers.  

The Hungarian Nation Ballet presents a stunning programme in which Kyliàn's Black and White masterpieces are paired with Lander's polished Études. 

Erwin Schrott seduces the Budapest audience with smiles, but Zerlina steals the show in Budapest.