Franz Lehár, the world-famous operetta composer, was born in Komárno on 30 April 1870 into a large family as the first-born son of Franz Lehár Sr. (1838–1898) and Kristina Lehár, née Neubrandt (1849–1904). His father Franz served as bandmaster of the 50th Infantry Regiment, while his mother Kristina came from a well-to-do family of soap and candle makers originating from Württemberg, Germany. Due to his father’s frequent transfers, the family moved often and lived in various places.
Lehár’s birthplace once stood on the site of today’s Lehár Park; the house was demolished during the redevelopment of this part of Komárno in 1978. Although Franz Lehár spent only the first years of his life in the town, Komárno evidently remained close to his heart—reportedly, he said as late as 1930: “I am a boy from Komárno.” As a young man, Lehár also visited Komárno during holidays together with his siblings, staying with their grandparents.
The park was ceremonially opened in 1980 on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the birth of the “king of operetta.” The statue, 225 centimetres high, is the work of Emil Venkov and depicts Lehár holding a conductor’s baton.
Galéria
