SOI Autumn 2022: Bánk Bán

Bánk Bán
Concert performance
Music by Ferenc Erkel
Costumes: Nagy Viktória

Ferenc Erkel (1810 – 1893) was a Hungarian composer, conductor and pianist. He was the father of the Hungarian grand opera, written mainly on historical themes, which are still often performed in Hungary. He also composed the music of Hymnus, the national anthem of Hungary, which was adopted in 1844. He was the founder of first Hungarian symphonic orchestra, the predecessor of today’s Hungarian State Opera Orchestra. After the opening of the Opera House in Budapest in 1884, Ferenc Erkel became its first general music director.

Bánk Bán – The Viceroy Bánk is an opera in three acts by composer Ferenc Erkel. The work uses a Hungarian-language libretto by Béni Egressy which is based on a stage play of the same name by József Katona. The main storyline is based on the assassination of Queen Gertrude, wife of Andrew II in 1213. The opera was first performed at the Hungarian Theatre in Pest in 1861.

Sung in Hungarian with English subtitles.

An NCPA presentation. This performance is a production of the Hungarian State Opera.

This programme runs approximately 120 mins with one intermission.

Free Event for Friends of the SOI & NCPA Members. Passes can be collected from the NCPA Box Office.