On April 18, Budapest will host a truly unique concert featuring two headline stars: Plácido Domingo and Dimash Qudaibergen. The artists arrived in Budapest ahead of time to rehearse and to prepare photo and video materials for coverage of this major event.

On April 15, Dimash and his team worked on location at the Budapest Operetta Theatre. This musical theatre is located in the heart of Budapest, on Nagymező Street, often referred to as the “Broadway of Pest.” Opposite the theatre, whose repertoire consists of operettas and musicals, stands a monument to the world-renowned composer Imre Kálmán.

At the theatre, Dimash was filming for a composition he will perform for the first time at the April 18 concert. At the special request of the concert organizers, one of the most famous works from the operatic stage was selected.

To learn how the concert repertoire was chosen, along with other details, the DimashNews editorial team spoke with Mariann Peller, producer, founder, and long-time director of the Virtuosos project.

Mrs. Mariann, congratulations on this upcoming grand event in the world of great music and the grand stage. Audiences around the world are eagerly awaiting this concert, expecting unforgettable emotions. Please tell us how the idea for this concert came about.

The idea for this concert was born from a shared vision: to create a truly unique musical experience that bridges generations, cultures, and genres. Bringing together Plácido Domingo, HAUSER and Dimash Qudaibergen felt like a natural yet extraordinary combination.

All artists represent excellence in their own worlds, and I wanted to create a platform where their artistry could meet and inspire something new. The overwhelming global interest confirmed that audiences are ready for this kind of bold and emotional musical dialogue.

Was it easy to bring the musicians together, or did they have doubts at first? They come from completely different generations. What unites them? And on the other hand, what challenges arise when shaping the program or organizing such an event?

There was actually a great sense of openness from the very beginning. All artists are true musicians in the deepest sense—they are curious, respectful, and eager to explore. Of course, they come from different generations and traditions, but what unites them is their dedication to vocal excellence, emotional expression, and connecting with audiences.

The challenge lies in crafting a program that honors both their identities while creating a cohesive experience. It requires careful musical direction, balance, and sensitivity—but that’s also what makes it exciting.

It is deeply unfortunate that HAUSER will be unable to participate in the concert due to health reasons. Our readers are very concerned for him, and please convey to him our wishes for a swift recovery. It is hard to imagine what you felt upon hearing the news. How were you able to reshape the concept? What had to be changed or added?

It was truly heartbreaking to hear about Hauser’s condition, and I would like to send him our warmest wishes for a full and speedy recovery. He is an incredible artist, and his presence will certainly be missed. Thankfully, he has sent us some fantastic, so far unpublished music videos, that will be published during this concert for the first time. And he has sent some messages to the audience, too.

In moments like this, we must adapt quickly and responsibly. We reshaped the concept by placing even greater emphasis on the vocal and symphonic elements of the evening, and we introduced new artistic collaborations to maintain the richness and diversity of the program. Audiences can still expect a powerful, emotional, and unforgettable experience—just with a slightly different artistic focus.

Among the concert guests are both world-renowned musicians and emerging artists. What will they be performing? Which genres form the core of their repertoires?

We are honored to welcome a truly diverse group of guests. Alongside world-renowned performers, we are also featuring emerging talents—many of whom are connected to the Virtuosos platform. This reflects our mission of supporting the next generation of artists.

The repertoire will span classical opera, crossover, and contemporary interpretations. Audiences will hear iconic arias, duets, and unique arrangements that blend different musical worlds. It’s a celebration of both tradition and innovation.

The concert will take place at MVM Dome, a large multifunctional arena known for its striking architecture and massive screens that provide excellent visibility throughout the venue.

Mrs. Mariann, is this your first mega-concert of this scale – in terms of audience size, the vast range of repertoire possibilities, and the diversity of participants? Are you nervous? What are your expectations and feelings ahead of the upcoming concert?

Yes, this is certainly one of the largest and most ambitious concerts I have ever been part of, but of course, organising an international TV-show that involves 10 countries’ talents worldwide, Virtuosos, has already given us experience. The scale of the venue, the diversity of the artists, and the complexity of the program make it a truly exceptional undertaking.

Of course, there is always a sense of responsibility—and perhaps a little nervousness—but above all, I feel excitement and gratitude. My expectation is that this concert will not only entertain but also move people deeply, creating a shared emotional experience that stays with them long after the final note.