The Charm of Parisian Salons on the Danube: Julien Henric Debuts in Budapest
A French tenor brings 19th-century passion to the Hungarian capital
For travelers looking to experience the refined beauty of Budapest’s classical music scene, January brings a truly special treat. On January 25, 2026, the Bartók Béla National Concert Hall (Müpa Budapest) will host an enchanting evening of French Romantic opera featuring the rising French tenor Julien Henric with the renowned Concerto Budapest Orchestra under the baton of György Vashegyi.
The concert, titled French Romantic Arias, promises to transport audiences back to the elegant world of 19th-century Parisian salons, where heartfelt emotion and lyrical beauty defined the era’s music.
A voice Europe has been waiting for
Born in Lyon, Julien Henric is one of Europe’s most talked-about young opera talents. Critics describe him as a captivating discovery, praised for his confident stage presence, warm tone, and emotional nuance. After successful performances in Geneva, Aix-en-Provence, Barcelona, Salzburg, and Paris, he now arrives in Budapest to charm local and international audiences alike. His artistry perfectly embodies the romantic spirit — refined, expressive, and deeply human. Henric’s lyrical tenor voice, marked by elegance and ease, makes him an ideal interpreter of the French operatic repertoire.
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The maestro behind the magic
At the conductor’s desk will be György Vashegyi, a visionary interpreter known for reviving forgotten musical treasures and performing them with exceptional authenticity. Awarded the Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc Prizes, Vashegyi has dedicated his career to rediscovering baroque and classical gems, as well as rare Romantic masterpieces. His collaborations with Concerto Budapest have earned international acclaim, blending scholarship with passion to create performances that both educate and enthrall.
This new program follows their successful partnership with mezzo-soprano Aude Extrémo, continuing Vashegyi’s mission to broaden Hungary’s musical horizons through the rediscovery of lesser-known French operatic works.
Beyond Carmen: rediscovering the treasures of French opera
While popular French operas like Carmen and Faust are beloved classics, this program ventures further into the rich and often overlooked corners of the 19th-century repertoire. Alongside celebrated composers such as Berlioz, Bizet, Gounod, Massenet, and Offenbach, the evening will feature works by composers who once dazzled Parisian audiences but have since faded from the spotlight:
- Mel Bonis – A pioneering woman composer known for her refined lyrical expression.
- Benjamin Godard – A master of melody and romantic color.
- Victorin de Joncières – Praised for his dramatic intensity.
- Louis Clapisson – A prolific composer of lively opéra comique works.
- Marguerite Olagnier – A composer fascinated by oriental themes and exotic harmonies.
Together, these selections create a musical portrait of French Romanticism in all its variety — from delicate lyricism to dazzling theater.
A night of elegance and emotion
When the lights dim at Müpa on January 25, expect an evening of passion, poetry, and rediscovery. The Concerto Budapest Orchestra, celebrated for its sensitivity and stylistic finesse, will provide a vivid orchestral landscape for Henric’s soaring voice. Together, they’ll evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century Paris — the velvet glow of opera houses, the thrill of youth, and the timeless emotional intensity that defines Romantic music.
For foreign visitors seeking an unforgettable cultural experience in Budapest, this concert is a highlight of the winter season — perfect for those who appreciate European elegance blended with fresh artistic energy.
Concert details
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Venue: Müpa Budapest, Bartók Béla National Concert Hall
Performers: Julien Henric (tenor), Concerto Budapest
Conductor: György Vashegyi
Program: Arias by Berlioz, Bizet, Bonis, Clapisson, David, Février, Godard, Gounod, Joncières, Massenet, Offenbach, Olagnier
Tickets: Available online. Early bird tickets receive a 20% discount until December 31, 2025, using the ARIA20 code.
Discover music that transcends borders
Budapest’s classical music community is famed for its vibrancy and artistic curiosity — and this concert captures that spirit perfectly. Whether you’re a devoted opera lover or simply curious to explore new sounds, this French Romantic evening will let you travel from the Danube to the boulevards of 19th-century Paris without leaving your seat.