Celebrate Tatabánya’s 2026 New Year with Monarchia Operett’s “Borban a Vigasság” gala—wine, classic operetta hits, storytelling, and romance in one sparkling evening. January 18, 7 PM, Vértes Agorája.
when: 2026.01.18., Sunday
where: 2800 Tatabánya, Szent Borbála tér 1.
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Tatabánya’s Vértes Agorája main hall will host Monarchia Operett’s New Year Operetta Gala on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The evening-long celebration puts two standout Hungarian treasures center stage: the country’s wine culture and the golden tradition of classic operetta, both loved and sung worldwide. Titled “Borban a Vigasság” (Joy in Wine) – Chivalric Order Operetta Gala, the night blends music, storytelling, and a sensory journey with fine wines and evergreen melodies.
Story and spirit
The performance paints a living portrait of János Mathiász, the “Hungarian king of vines,” whose dream is a world where wine is culture, heritage, and community. Milestones of his life unfold—from the hard-fought path of grape breeding to his first international accolades—while the orchestra underscores scenes woven with classic operetta moments about wine, love, and sheer zest for life. Audiences discover Mathiász’s passion and achievements as melodies flow and noble vintages set the mood.
Hits that bring the house down
Monarchia Operett’s stars revive beloved wine songs and buoyant operetta numbers by Emmerich Kálmán (Kálmán Imre), Jenő Huszka, Paul Ábrahám (Ábrahám Pál), Johann Strauss, Béla Zerkovitz, Mihály Eisemann, and Szabolcs Fényes. Expect timeless crowd-pleasers like “Borban az igazság,” “Mi, muzsikus lelkek,” “Hej, cigány,” “Csopak, Somló, Badacsony,” “Délibábos Hortobágyon,” and “Egy részeg éjszakán.”
More than a gala
It’s an emotional voyage into the heart of tradition: music, wine, history, humor, and passion. This brand-new production dazzles with sumptuous sets, sparkling costumes, laughter and romance, a rich musical program, and Monarchia Operett’s leading soloists—every sip a melody, every melody a taste of life.
January 18, 2026. Tatabánya
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe: lively music, colorful costumes, and classic operetta hits keep kids engaged while adults enjoy the wine theme
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Internationally recognizable music: Strauss and Kálmán are global names, so even first-timers to Hungarian operetta will catch familiar tunes
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English not strictly required: plot is music-driven, and emotions, staging, and wine-centric storytelling are easy to follow without deep Hungarian skills
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Easy day trip from Budapest: Tatabánya is about an hour by car and under an hour by frequent trains from Budapest’s main stations, then a short local transfer to Vértes Agorája
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Affordable alternative to big-capital New Year galas: likely cheaper and more intimate than Vienna/Budapest flagship operetta nights, with strong production values
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Great cultural sampler: pairs Hungary’s wine heritage with operetta classics—two birds, one stone for a U.S. visitor
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Less touristy crowd: you’ll get a more local, authentic feel than the heavily touristed holiday shows in Vienna or Budapest
- Operetta/wine theme may skew adult: tasting elements and wine-centric stories might not appeal to younger kids or non-drinkers
Cons
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Tatabánya isn’t a headline destination: U.S. visitors rarely know the city, so you’ll miss the “bucket list” cachet of Budapest or Vienna
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Hungarian dialogue/lyrics appear: while followable, jokes and finer plot points land better if you understand Hungarian
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Transport last mile: trains are easy, but reaching Vértes Agorája from the station may require a bus/taxi and planning around evening schedules
