The Faust Ball was a ball of arts and sciences, a highlight of the 2014/15 Faust season visited by 1200 guests. Apart from retaining its charity cause, its mission was to create, represent and convey value; cherish and maintain a 130-year-old heritage; spread culture as part of our national heritage and popularise arts.

Having realized these aims, the contribution by several figures of business life and the service industry made the ball a real success. Experts who provided for the quality of the FaustBall were professional advisor Ákos Gózon, stylist Márk Lakatos, make-up artist Dora Gräff, and chef Gábor Merczi.

The Opera aimed to present the highest quality with the programmes as well with special guest star Angela Gheorghiu, internationally renowned soprano, who made her Hungarian debut at the Faust Ball. The gala that revolved around the theme ‘Faust’ was directed by Ferenc Anger, artistic director of the Hungarian State Opera, and Tamás Solymosi, director of the Hungarian National Ballet. The programme featured principals of the Hungarian National Ballet: Jessica Leon Carulla and Roland Liebich. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra was conducted by Péter Halász, principal music director. The Alles Walzer was conducted by István Silló.

The ball was opened by principal patron Dr. Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. Patrons of the ball were internationally recognized Hungarian scientists: biologist Prof. Éva Kondorosi, physician and neurobiologist Dr Balázs Gulyás and biochemist Sir George Radda.

The event was hosted by TV presenter Noémi Morvai and Szilveszter Ókovács, general director of the Hungarian State Opera.

The special gala performance was recorded by Duna Television, which resulted in a further 147.000 viewers. Altogether 550.000 viewers switched onto the broadcast – this is equal to the viewer ratings of Christmas programmes.

Following the gala, performers of quality music appeared at the different venues: Opera Big B®and, Cotton Club Singers, Myrtill & Swinguistique, Viki Marót and the Nova Culture Band, Rozina Pátkai Quartet, Norbert Bogdán and Béla Rózsa (students of the Snétberger Music Talent Center), Mihály Berecz, András Péter Kovács, MRs Columbo, Soma Hajnóczy, Áron Tálas Trio and DJ Bootsie awaited the guests of the ball.

The programmes were enjoyed by guests of honours: Hungarian artists and sports champions as well as scientists. For a full list CLICK HERE. 

The morning after, disadvantaged children were invited to Breadcrumb Ball. In the festive settings at the ball the little guests watched Humperdinck’s fairy tale opera, Hansel and Gretel.