Parsifal by Richard Wagner

Premiering on 15 April, the cathartic sounds of Wagner opera Parsifal can once more be heard in Budapest. In his final musical drama, the German composer interweaves fear of temptation and sinful desires into a tale of redemption. At the time, many criticised Wagner, who wrote both the libretto and the music, for the personal tone with which he portrayed a religious theme, combining notions of sacred and profane love. This visually stunning new production is directed by András Almási-Tóth, the set design created by Sebastian Hannak, the man behind the success of Porgy and Bess and The Fairy Queen. The orchestra will be conducted by its music director, Balázs Kocsár. The main character of Parsifal is performed by István Kovácsházi (pictured).