Hungary - Eastern Europe - page 341

Központi Jegyiroda), VI. Paulay Ede u. 31 ( & 1/322-0000; www.cultur-comfort.
hu), sells tickets to just about everything, from theater and operettas to sports events
and rock concerts. The office is open Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm. For opera
and ballet, go to the Hungarian State Opera Ticket Office (Magyar Állami Opera
Jegyiroda), VI. Andrássy út 22 ( & 1/353-0170 ), open Monday through Friday
11am to 5pm. Try Concert & Media, XI. Üll ó i út 11-13 ( & 1/455-9000; www.
jegyelado.hu.), for classical performances as well as pop, jazz, and rock concerts. For
just about everything from rock and jazz concert, opera, ballet performances, and the-
ater tickets, try Ticket Express, VI. Jókai u. 40 ( & 1/353-0692; www.tex.hu), open
Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm. Additional Ticket Express offices can
be found at V. Deák Ferenc u. 19 ( & 1/266-7070 ), open Monday through Saturday
from 10am to 9pm; VI. Andrássy út 18 ( & 1/312-0000 ), open Monday through Fri-
day 9:30am to 6:30pm; and VIII. József krt. 50 ( & 1/344-0369 ), open Monday

through Friday 9:30am to 6:30pm.
Note: For cheaper tickets, try going to the actual box office of the venue, as the
ticket agencies may not carry the entire price range of tickets. You may also find that
agencies charge a commission (usually about 4%), especially for a hit show.
THE PERFORMING ARTS
The major symphony orchestras in Budapest are the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the
Philharmonic Society Orchestra, the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra,
the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, and the Hungarian Railway Workers' (MÁV)
Symphony Orchestra. The major chamber orchestras include the Hungarian Cham-
ber Orchestra, the Ferenc Liszt Chamber Orchestra, the Budapest String Players, and
the newly established Hungarian Virtuosi. Major choirs include the Budapest Chorus,
the Hungarian State Choir, the Hungarian Radio and Television Choir, the Budapest
Madrigal Choir, and the University Choir.
Budapest is now on the touring route of dozens of major European ensembles and
virtuosos. Keep your eyes open for well-known touring artists.
Note: Most Budapesters tend to dress more formally than casually when attending
performances.
OPERA, OPERETTA & BALLET
Budapesti Operettszínház (Budapest Operetta Theater) Referred to as the
“palace of entertainment” in its incipient times, the building was designed by two
acclaimed Viennese architects, Fellner and Helmer, in 1894. In the heart of Budapest's
theater district, the recently renovated Budapest Operetta Theater is not only the site
of operetta, but also of musicals and rock operas. Restored seating boxes, antique
chandeliers, and period-style furnishings are paired with state-of-the-art stage
equipment—an enchanting, quality experience is guaranteed. A highlight among Art
Nouveau style buildings, the theater hosts exquisite banquettes and balls—among
which is opulent Operetta Ball. Performances of Romeo and Juliette, Baroness Lili, and
Ball in the Savoy are the order of the day here. However, the greatest musical hits, like
Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, whose European world premier outside England
took place in Hungary in the spring of 2003, are shown in Madách Theater (p. 344)
on the Outer Ring. The off season is mid-July to mid-August. The box office is open
Monday through Friday 10am to 7pm, and Saturday 1 to 7pm. VI. Nagymezó u. 17.
& 1/312-4866. www.operettszinhaz.hu. Tickets 2,000 Ft-5,000 Ft ($10-$25/£5.20-£13). Metro: Opera
or Oktogon (Yellow line).