"I would like an opera of high standards and international standing, for this reason I am inviting applications to fill the post of chief director and chief musical director," Hiller said at a press conference in Budapest.
With the announcement of the application, a new three-pronged management structure has been established at the opera, consisting of the chief director, the chief musical director and the minister. The change to the structure will require amendments to the opera's charter, Hiller noted.
Hiller said the chief musical director, who will be the "face" of the opera, will enjoy complete artistic freedom. The chief director will be responsible for the opera's budget. Applicants may apply for both posts, he said, adding that this would be considered an advantage during the evaluation.
Applicants will be required to deal with the delegation of tasks among the management, the strategy for the opera's programme and the venues for performances. The questions of the future of the Erkel Theatre and the chamber opera, as well as of staff at the opera must all be addressed, Hiller said.
Hiller said the opera would be allocated an annual HUF 5.3 billion in state funding in 2007-2010, but this amount may also be supplement with other resources.
The application for the positions may be read on the website of the ministry. The deadline for submitting applications will pass in thirty days, and the results of the tender are expected to be announced in May.
