Featuring: Erika Miklósa (vocals), János Balázs (piano), István Horváth (vocals), János Lackfi (prose)
Modeled after the highly successful ZongOpera series, this concert offers a unique musical adventure, this time paying tribute to Imre Kálmán, the “King of Operetta,” who was born 145 years ago. This event provides a stage for the convergence of world-famous operetta hits and virtuosic piano playing, as monumental orchestral works are reborn in a more intimate yet explosive form, while one of the most vibrant facets of Hungarian culture comes to life. The hits, arranged for piano, are performed by master pianist and Kossuth Prize-winning János Balázs, who is capable of evoking the full splendor of the Monarchy’s ballrooms on a single keyboard. The evening is graced by the world-famous coloratura soprano Erika Miklósa and the outstanding tenor István Horváth, who, through their voices and charisma, breathe life into the well-known roles of the prima donna and the bon vivant. The musical experience is rounded out by writer and poet János Lackfi, who, in his characteristic witty and lighthearted style, guides the audience through the world of operettas. Through his narration and original poetry, he sheds light on both the hidden emotions and the exuberant comedy lurking deep within the genre, adding a unique flair to the production. This evening is not merely a concert, but a tribute—woven with elegance, laughter, and virtuosity—to the operetta genre, recognized as a quintessentially Hungarian art form, and to one of its greatest geniuses.
The production was created by the Cziffra Festival in honor of the anniversary.