Although a narrator does appear from time to time in the performance – played by one of our outstanding actors, Ferenc Köles – the universal language of music and visuals ensures that the narrative is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Traditional walnut roll or a twist on the classic Gerbeaud cake? Perhaps the most appealing thing about the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra is that it is equally respectful of tradition and innovation: this year, the orchestra has taken a bold step by taking on the great Christmas classic, *The Nutcracker*, with the confidence of a Michelin-starred chef.
Brand new, brand new, brand new visuals and a narrative to the well-known melodies of *The Nutcracker*! A moving picture book coming to life at the Kodály Centre, evoking the world of hardcover pop-up books – with their popping illustrations and fold-out pages – featuring hand-drawn illustrations, pages that turn to the music, and animated figures that move here and there. In its 2026 production, the orchestra spices up Tchaikovsky’s high-quality musical ‘raw material’ not with the usual ballet, but with fresh visual elements. Éva M Tóth, a Béla Balázs Prize-winning animator and graphic artist, has created a new story set to the original music; the audience can watch this ‘picture book’ brought to life on LED screens positioned above the orchestra on stage, like a moving picture book.
” The new message of this reinvented version of *The Nutcracker* is one of understanding, acceptance and cooperation by getting to know one another, and the realisation that true miracles are created by embracing our differences. The In old tales, the ‘other’, the ‘stranger’, is usually a frightening adversary that must be defeated and destroyed; there is no way to get to know or understand them. Our *Nutcracker* is addressed to contemporary children and tells the story of how, in the diverse world around us, we ourselves are likewise diverse; this is what makes our world beautiful and complete, and our true gift can be friendship, caring for one another and offering help – at Christmas and at all times. A real hero is someone who can view their own shortcomings with humour, who is able to change their prejudices and rigid views, and who can reach out to the other side. Whether we are mice or humans, fairies or wooden puppets, what matters is what connects us, what we have in common. ‘This new story encourages us to pursue goals that offer us the opportunity for fulfilment and the shared joy we can all experience together.”
E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s fantastic, timeless musical composition, is retold in our animated picture book at Christmas 2026, using the language of contemporary visual art and with a touch of humour, whilst retaining all the romance and magic.
The performance features actor Ferenc Köles and the PFZ Children’s Choir (choirmaster: Tibor Hoffner), conducted by permanent conductor, András Vass.
The designer and director of the vibrant visual world is Éva M Tóth; the artistic director for the production is Gergely Krisztián Tóth, a graphic and motion designer; the production manager of the creative team is Jenő Kiss, a cinematographer; and the production is executed by the team at Forward Production.
Come and join us in enjoying this revised story, brought to life by the old melodies!
