Friday 3 March 2017

Today : world première of Gabor Peter Mezei's 'Opposite the Catafalque' in Budapest


Today, the Hungarian National Opera presents the world premire of Gabor Peter Mezei's Opposite the Catafalque, with a libretto by Ferenc Anger.


It is the composer's first opera. It will be followed by Kamillo Lendvay's The Respectful Prostitute (1978), with a libretto after Jean-Paul Sartre.
Both works focus on the destinies of women : the second in a treatment of a classic Sartre play, the other a contemporary chamber piece. The theme, however, is similar: at a universal level, both press the question of whether it is possible to attain genuine happiness and prosperity purchased at the price of the sacrifice of others. (reproduced from the Hungarian National Opera website)
The cast includes soprano Nora Ducza (Rita), actress Tünde Szalontay (Dora) and bass baritone Csaba Sandor (The Man). Gergely Vajda conducts and Kriszta Székely directs.

The requested orchestra is the following :

- percussion, harp, piano ;
- strings.

The performance will take place at the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy. The whole performance should last about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. Opposite the Catafalque should last about 50 minutes.

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