Singer

Named after the Palacio de la Zarzuela near Madrid, the early form of Spanish musical theatre emerged as early as the 17th century, parallel to Italian opera. Related to vaudeville, farce and operetta, hundreds of these entertaining and effective works were written within a few decades. The genre was increasingly forgotten and only experienced a revival in the mid-19th century. However, it is still neglected on theatre programmes today. Star director Christof Loy, who has been a strong advocate of the zarzuela for many years, is staging an evening at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Gran Gala de Zarzuela

Deutsche Oper Berlin

Madrid in turmoil. The barber Lamparilla has no interest in politics. But he is in love and becomes embroiled in an intrigue that reaches all the way to the Spanish royal family. A cheerful game of cat and mouse with the authorities begins, fueled by irresistible Spanish dance rhythms and music reminiscent of Rossini and Verdi. In this classic 19th-century zarzuela, which is yet to be discovered in German-speaking countries, social and political tensions are vented through folklore and humor. Christof Loy devotes himself to the best-known work of this genre and brings it to the stage with a Spanish cast and in the original language.

El barberillo de Lavapiés

Theater Basel

At Hansel and Gretel’s home there is rarely anything nourishing to eat: The family can simply not afford good food. One day the children see in their kitchen a jug full of milk and jump for joy at the idea of their getting rice pudding. Their mother comes and tells them off and unintentionally knocks over the milk jug. In a fit, as punishment, she impulsively sends the children off into the woods to gather strawberries. It occurs to her too late that a wicked witch is lurking there who likes to turn little children into gingerbread…

Hansel and Gretel

Theater Bonn Opera House

Concert at María Pita - OSG and OSG Choir - Roberto González-Monjas

Maria Pita Square

On the programme is the Glosa Sinfónica Margariteña, Venezuelan composer Inocente Carreño’s tribute to his homeland. Drawing inspiration from several traditional songs such as Margarita es una Lágrima, the Canto Del Pilón, the Canto de Velorio and Los Tiguitiguitos this impressionist work ranks among the musical masterpieces of Latin America.

Mezzo-soprano

Carmen Artaza

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 28, 2026

Hispanic Waves · La Monnaie / De Munt

Past events

Jul 4, 2026

Gran Gala de Zarzuela · Deutsche Oper Berlin

Sep 24, 2025

El barberillo de Lavapiés · Theater Basel

Future and recently performed repertoire

Hansel in Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck

Theater Bonn

Singer in Margariteña by Carreño

La Monnaie / De Munt

Singer in El sombrero de tres picos by Falla

La Monnaie / De Munt

Singer in La mer by Debussy

La Monnaie / De Munt

Singer in El amor brujo by Falla

La Monnaie / De Munt

Paloma in El barberillo de Lavapiés by Barbieri

Theater Basel

About

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