„Four hundred years after the heyday of Shakespeare`s own dramatic career we find ourselves arguing about whether his extraordinary fame and influence were somehow inevitable, a direct result of the intrinsic qualities of his works themselves, or a piece of sustained hype, the manipulation of the myth by those with a personal stake in its perpetuation–performers, teachers, publishers …”–thus conveys his thoughts Richard Proudfood in the volume entitled The Arden Shakespeare. Shakespeare Complete Works, Introduction part, page 1.
How does the mundane audience react to Shakespeare and his anniversary these days in Budapest, Hungary? Let us take a literary walk in the realm of the beauties exposed in the old building of the Hungarian National Opera House. There will be organized a special event in the early days of February to celebrate the 400 th anniversary of the death of the beloved British dramatist. This commemoration event is going to be delineated here.
On 6 February, 2016 the special guest star of the Shakespeare Ball organized by the Hungarian State Opera is Plácido Domingo. One important feature of the ball revived in 2014 is that the greatest figures of the world of opera and ballet are invited to this exclusive event. The appearance of Domingo is extraordinary as it is the first time this significant personality of the classical music scene of the 20th and 21st centuries sings on the stage of the Opera House.
Beside Plácido Domingo three further Hungarian sopranos appear also at the gala: Szilvia Rálik, Orsolya Sáfár and Zita Szemere joining the star. Afterwards, even popular music bands such as Back II Black, KFT and Mystery Gang are going to serve as entertainers all the respected audience in the ball room.
In a video message on his Facebook site Placido Domingo announced his acceptance of the invitation of the Hungarian State Opera to the Shakespeare Ball regarding the forthcoming February (2016), a real „highlight event” of the upcoming season at the Budapest Opera.
The unreplaceable singer will sing for an unequivocal dramatist of all times: William Shakespeare.
Domingo`s last appearance as a singer in Budapest was nearly 30 years ago, and he has not been given the opportunity to sing in the fascinating building of the Opera House situated in the Andrássy Avenue until now.
Regarding his new engagement at the Shakespeare Ball he claimed he has been finally given the chance to fulfill his dream to sing at the Hungarian State Opera at a very important event with the main aim of attaining funds for charity purposes.
Farewell Plautus, farewell Seneca, let us glimpse the real value and eternal dramatic influence of William Shakespeare!
Source used for the given article: website of the Hungarian National/ State Opera, Budapest
Link: http://shakespearebal.hu/news/v/290/