Hungarian State Opera - Bank Ban Reviews

Dr. Rose Lapis from Houston, TX

HUNGARIAN OPERA TOUR IN NEW YORK

I traveled from Houston to be part of this historic cultural event, the first US performance of the Hungarian National opera, Erkel's Bánk Bán. Meaningful both culturally and socially, the event was beautiful and emotional, organized with class, honoring Hungarian culture and history. Their message of nations suffering oppression, encountering corruption, personal gain, fighting for freedom, honor and integrity both personally and politically transcended time and cultural, national differences. The evening featured masterfully performed music by the Hungarian State Opera and world class singing talent, costume and stage design, drew the presence and attention of world leaders, UN Ambassadors and Maestro Placido Domingo himself. It is sure to be a lifelong memory.

Iren Hollo from New York, New York

BANK BAN

Bravo, beautiful performance of one of the most patriotic Hungarian Opera, the Bank Ban! The Hungarian Opera house charmed the audiance with the highest level of singing! This Opera deserved a full house! Well done!

Dr Judy Kuriansky from New York, New York

BRILLIANT OPERA STIRS DEEP FEELING FOR THE STORY AND COUNTRY

A most stirring and touching opera that moved me to tears and made me love Hungary all the more that I had to rush to the computer and read about about the country's history. This is a riveting tragic love story of honor and betrayal, desperation and duty. The costumes are gorgeous, the music stirring and the singing/acting riveting. MUST SEE this amazing piece of art. I went at the invitation of the brilliant and famous Ambassador of Hungary to the UN, Katalin Bogyay, on the night the President attended. I told them how proud they can be of their country. I would recommend this to anyone visiting NY. Being in the theatre/opera house is itself exhilarating.

Upper West Sider from New York, New York

WATCHING PAINT DRY WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ENTERTAINING

This incomprehensible piece could only be of interest to someone fascinated with Hungarian history. The 19th century pastiche score featured a loud orchestra conducted with no attention to dynamics, style, or artistry. The only saving grace was the cembolom. This instrument and the composer's occasional use of folk idioms were what gave the opera any authentic Hungarian flavor it had. Costumes were pretty.As for the voices,"Malinda" shrieked and screamed her way through her part. Everyone else shouted their parts. It was horrible. The projected English translation made no sense at all. The direction was "park and bark", poorly paced, painfully slow and tortuous.The "action" dragged to a standstill with long, probably unintended silences. Utterly dull. Singers did not seem to have any idea where to go onstage. Worst of all was a blinding white light shone directly at the audience throughout the piece.The theater is unkind to voices.The entire evening was a huge waste of money and time

Lewis Henry from New York, New York

BANK BAN DISSAPOINTS

Although this production by the Hungarian State Opera of BANK BAN was brand new last year in Budapest, it looked much like an ancient decrepit production. Tadry cheap sets, unappealing mish mash of costumes, rather risible stage direction, and a cast which , save for the Soprano playing Melinda, was provincial at best, unacceptable at worst. I mean, its 2018 and the chorus stood around looking lost in clumps, and for everyone else it was park and bark - mostly bark. On the evidence of this evening of BANK BAN, the Hungarian State Opera is not ready for prime time on the international opera scene.

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