The true hero of the evening is Helge Dorsch at the podium. His conducting allows the Budapest State Opera Orchestra to generate the dramatically complex tension that the opera owes its musical richness and appeal to. Freshness and temperament already overflow from the overture. The transition between delicate lyrical moments and highly dramatic outbursts is clearly defined. Not a tragic balancing act like with Don José—but Bizet’s rich shades are rendered straightforwardly in musically fine colors. It’s a pity that the quality in the "orchestra pit" comes across acoustically as somewhat muted compared to the other voices on stage in the upper amphitheater rows—right down there the actual Carmen fire of this production is ignited. (Rhein-Zeitung)
A brilliant orchestra from the Hungarian State Opera, under the direction of Helge Dorsch, prepared the way to Seville with the overture. The conductor "whirled" with the baton; not only the musical but also the personal—almost athletic—commitment was spot on. (Westfälischer Anzeiger)
The orchestra of the Budapest State Opera acted as a reliable accompaniment for the singers. Under the direction of Helge Dorsch, it played very agilely from the orchestra pit and could respond well to the soloists. (Badisches Tageblatt)
The orchestra performed brilliantly under the direction of Helge Dorsch, who sent his musicians through the opera at a brisk tempo. Despite these demands, the players acted very precisely and did not miss out on expression due to the technical finesse. Overall, the choristers, instrumentalists, and soloists shone, especially as a whole. (Heidenheimer Neue Presse)
The Budapest State Opera Orchestra also lived up to the demands placed on such a professional ensemble without any further concessions. The Hungarians played their way into the hearts of the listeners with verve. (Heidenheimer Zeitung)
The most convincing performance of the evening was delivered by the Budapest State Orchestra. (Rheinische Post)
Professor Helge Dorsch, chief conductor of the Loreley Festival, "paints" with the music: In delicate pastel colors, he outlines the timbres, lets strokes of the baton set the instrumental accents, and brings them together into dramatic explosions. Therefore, visitors who hoped for "Spanish fire" amidst the rocks of the open-air stage should not be disappointed. Delicate flute tones, accompanied by harp and bell sounds, swell into powerful Spanish flamenco and then break off abruptly. The Budapest State Opera Orchestra followed every small gesture of the conductor and skillfully executed the transition between gentle adagio and powerful fortissimo. (Grafschafter Nachrichten)
The Budapest State Opera Orchestra impressed with its homogeneous playing without overshadowing the action. A compliment to conductor Helge Dorsch; he managed to keep the widely spread sound body together effortlessly and constantly inspired it anew. (Meppener Tagespost)
The Budapest State Opera Orchestra responded very conscientiously to the direction of Helge Dorsch, which did not overemphasize the effect. (Bonner General-Anzeiger)
The lion’s share of the applause, however, goes to Helge Dorsch, who has his orchestra firmly in hand and leads it to impressive performances. Even in the prelude, where the three prevailing themes are introduced, Dorsch, strictly following Bizet, brings out the moods. After "Habanera," the orchestra takes up the gloomy death motif with support and corresponds at an appropriate volume with the events on stage. His conducting allows the musicians to precisely trace Bizet’s work in all its variety and skillfully differentiate between emotional sections and highly dramatic sequences, making "Carmen" in Bad Mergetheim an experience despite some shortcomings. (Fränkische Nachrichten)
Now let’s finally get to the truly delightful aspect of the performance: That was the well-rehearsed, robustly performing choir and even more so the Budapest State Opera Orchestra under the competent direction of Helge Dorsch. For once, one could hear a "Carmen" marked by French lightness and elegance, without Grand Opéra pomp. (Headline: "Played with French Lightness and Elegance"). (Tauber - Zeitung)
I encountered an excellent ensemble in the "State Orchestra of the Rhineland Philharmonic," which, under the masterful direction of Prof. Helge Dorsch, did not limit itself to merely accompanying arias but also fully met the symphonic demands of the music presented. (Gala concert of the Loreley Festival with Bayreuth Festival stars). (Der Neue Merker, Vienna)