Julien Henric: The Rising French Tenor Captivating Budapest’s Opera Scene
A fresh voice from Lyon takes center stage
Imagine the glow of 19th-century Parisian gaslights, the murmur of elegant salons, and a young tenor whose voice cuts through like a beam of sunlight. That’s the magic Julien Henric brings to Budapest this winter. Born in Lyon, this French sensation has quickly become one of Europe’s most exciting opera discoveries, blending theater-honed charisma with a lyrical tenor voice that critics call both masculine and effortlessly nuanced. His debut at Müpa Budapest marks a thrilling moment for visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion amid the city’s winter charm.
From Lyon’s conservatories to Europe’s grand stages
Julien Henric’s journey started in his hometown, where he immersed himself in theater and opera singing at top conservatories, including the prestigious Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon, graduating in 2020. Recognition came fast—in 2018, ADAMI named him révélation lyrique, spotlighting his raw talent. He followed with prizes at the Marmande International Competition, including first for French Melody and third for Opera. These early accolades launched him into the spotlight.
Best deals of Budapest
Henric spent two pivotal seasons with Geneva’s Grand Théâtre’s young ensemble, debuting roles that honed his dramatic flair and vocal precision. From there, invitations poured in: Aix-en-Provence, Salzburg, Barcelona, Paris, and beyond. What sets him apart? His ability to infuse French Romantic arias with vivid storytelling—think the passionate lovers of Gounod or the witty seducers of Offenbach—delivered with a tone that’s warm, agile, and full of youthful fire.
Why Henric embodies French opera’s soul
Audiences rave about Henric’s stage presence: confident yet intimate, with phrasing so refined it feels like poetry set to music. He’s the perfect guide through the seductive world of 19th-century French repertoire, where emotion reigns supreme. Less familiar names like Mel Bonis or Benjamin Godard come alive under his touch, revealing hidden gems that echo the era’s blend of drama, lyricism, and exotic allure. Paired with Budapest’s masterful Concerto Budapest and conductor György Vashegyi, Henric promises an evening where every note pulses with Parisian elegance.
The performer who bridges eras
Henric isn’t just singing—he’s channeling the spirit of a time when opera was theater at its most alive. For travelers in Budapest, catching this rising star feels like stumbling upon history in the making. His voice, described as that of a “young lover,” captures the heartache and joy of roles that defined an era, making each performance a personal conversation with the audience.
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