Debrecen4U April 9, 2026

Debrecen Unveils Statue of Legendary Opera Singer György Tréfás

A statue has been inaugurated to commemorate György Tréfás. The honorary member of the Csokonai National Theatre and honorary citizen of Debrecen passed away ten years ago. The work, created by sculptor Richárd Juha, was unveiled on 8 April 2026 as part of the Debrecen City Days.

György Tréfás was a member of the Csokonai National Theatre for more than 50 years and became an honorary citizen of the city in 2002. He left the stage forever ten years ago. He was a defining figure of opera in Debrecen, inspiring generations with his artistry.

On the tenth anniversary of his death, the artist’s bust was unveiled at the Csokonai Forum, where the busts of Zoltán Latinovits and Árpád Kóti already pay tribute to the greats of Hungarian theatre. All three works were created by Munkácsy Mihály Award-winning sculptor Richárd Juha.

“As an artist from Debrecen, it is a great honour for me to work with the great figures of Hungarian and Debrecen theatre,” Richárd Juha said.

At the ceremony held as part of the Debrecen City Days, colleagues, loved ones and admirers of György Tréfás gathered to pay their respects. According to theatre director Dániel Vadász, the statue is “memory cast in bronze.”

“He was a symbol of loyalty, humility and artistic greatness, a singer blessed with an exceptional voice. A true artist who dedicated his talent to serving the community. Throughout his career, the world called him countless times—big cities, prestigious opera houses, international opportunities—yet he chose Debrecen,” Dániel Vadász pointed out..

According to Mayor László Papp, the statue of György Tréfás now proclaims that world-class achievements can be created in Debrecen as well, and reminds us that true greatness lies not in loudness but in perseverance, loyalty and service to the community. The city’s character is shaped by people like him.

“As an honorary citizen of Debrecen and a Liszt Prize-winning distinguished artist, he remained the same approachable, cheerful person anyone could stop on the street. His charismatic personality, legendary humour and wisdom made him a legend of the city’s cultural life,” the mayor emphasized. He added that the three artists together stand as proof that in Debrecen, culture is not only a legacy of the past but a living, breathing and continuously growing value.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu