Celebrate 2026 at Kaposvár’s Csiky Gergely Theatre with Danubia Orchestra, Máté Hámori, and soprano Anita Csóka—Strauss classics meet opera-soul favorites. Tickets $41.50. Friday, Jan 2, 19:00.
when: 2026.01.02., Friday
where: 7400 Kaposvár, Rákóczi tér 1.
🎶
New Year’s Overture 2026 transforms Kaposvár’s Csiky Gergely Theatre into a festive haven on Friday, January 2, at 19:00. An elegant setting, an uplifting atmosphere, and a program designed to kick off the year with sparkle and warmth. Tickets available online; organizers reserve the right to change the time and program. Price: $41.50. Venue: 7400, Rákóczi Square (Rákóczi tér) 1, Kaposvár.
Orchestra, Conductor, Star Soprano
The Danubia Orchestra takes the stage under conductor Máté Hámori, joined by soprano Anita Csóka. Expect polished orchestral sheen and showstopping vocals, bringing the audience into 2026 together with music and good cheer.
Program, Part I: Strauss in Full Bloom
A shimmering Strauss suite sets the tone: The Blue Danube (Kék Duna keringő), Liebeslieder Waltzes, Emperor Waltz (Császár keringő), Champagne Polka, Lucifer Polka, Light as a Feather Polka (Leichtes Blut), and Long Live the Hungarian! (Éljen a Magyar!). Carefree, sparkling, and proudly celebratory.
Program, Part II: Opera Meets Soul
Puccini highlights include Musetta’s Quando m’en vo (La bohème), Un bel dì vedremo (Madama Butterfly), Vissi d’arte (Tosca), Se come voi piccina (Le Villi), and Addio, mio dolce amor (Edgar). Crossovers shine: Feeling Good (Newley–Bricusse), I Say a Little Prayer (Bacharach–David), At Last (Warren), I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton), Cserháti’s Happiness and I (A boldogság és én), plus Rezső Ott’s Opera and Soul duet.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibes: lively waltzes, famous arias, and feel-good pop-soul covers make it easy for mixed-age groups to enjoy together
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Internationally recognizable music (Strauss, Puccini, Feeling Good, I Will Always Love You) lowers the cultural barrier for U.S. visitors
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Affordable by U.S. concert standards at about $41.50 for a prime New Year event
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No Hungarian needed: repertoire is largely familiar and the experience is music-first, so you can follow along without language skills
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Kaposvár is smaller and more relaxed than Budapest, giving a cozy, local holiday atmosphere that feels authentic
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The Danubia Orchestra and a star soprano promise high production value comparable to big-city New Year concerts
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Easy enough to reach within Hungary: trains and buses connect Kaposvár to Budapest; driving is straightforward and parking near the theater is typically manageable
- Kaposvár isn’t well-known internationally, so first-time foreign visitors may need extra planning for transport and lodging
Cons
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The theater setting is formal; very young kids might get restless compared to outdoor or interactive New Year events
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Public transport options from Budapest thin out late at night, making same-day round trips tricky without a car
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Compared with Vienna’s iconic New Year’s concerts, this is smaller in scale and prestige, so expectations should be set for charm over global marquee status