Les Arts delves into the género chico for the first time with Bretón's 'La verbena de la Paloma'

Les Arts és Sarsuela

• José Miguel Pérez Sierra takes over the musical direction of this lyrical farce, considered one of the great classics of Spanish lyricism.
• Nuria Castejón's acclaimed production includes a comic-lyrical prologue in homage to the Teatro Apolo in Madrid, which premiered Bretón's work.

Valencia (28.10.24). The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía delves into the género chico for the first time with 'La verbena de la Paloma', by Tomás Bretón, which premieres this coming Saturday, November 2, in the Main Hall.

The musical director, José Miguel Pérez Sierra, and the stage director of the production, Nuria Castejón, accompanied Jesús Iglesias Noriega, artistic director of Les Arts, today in the presentation of this title which, as Iglesias Noriega explained, “is much more than one of the most emblematic zarzuelas, because its music , characters and dialogues are already part of the Spanish cultural heritage .”

Two great connoisseurs of the genre sign 'La verbena de la Paloma' at Les Arts: José Miguel Pérez Sierra, head of the Teatro de la Zarzuela and also a good connoisseur of the Cor de la Generalitat and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, which he has conducted; and Nuria Castejón, descendant of one of the great dynasties dedicated to zarzuela and who has previously worked in Valencia in some of the most celebrated productions of Emilio Sagi.

Nuria Castejón's proposal also includes a comic-lyrical prologue, 'Adiós, Apolo' (Goodbye, Apollo), written by Álvaro Tato, "as a tribute to the many artists who made the Teatro Apolo in Madrid—where 'La verbena de la Paloma' premiered in 1894—the cathedral of the género chico (a type of Spanish musical comedy)." This work also includes musical excerpts and famous scenes from other zarzuelas.

The new production by the Teatro de la Zarzuela, which will run from November 2nd to 8th, features set design by Nicolás Boni, costumes by Gabriela Salaverri and lighting by Albert Faura.

Les Arts brings together some of the most outstanding Spanish singers to perform the prologue and the famous lyrical farce by Tomás Bretón in its performances in Valencia.

The Galician baritone Borja Quiza, who has already achieved significant success at Les Arts with 'El barberillo de Lavapiés' and 'Pan y Toros', and the Valencian soprano Carmen Romeu, in her first zarzuela role in Valencia, take on the roles of Julián and Susana, respectively.

The cast also includes renowned artists from the national opera scene such as Emilio Sánchez (Don Hilarión), Jorge Rodríguez-Norton (Don Sebastián), Milagros Martín (Señá Rita), one of the most emblematic artists of the genre.

Ana Sanmartín, Aroa Fernández, Gurutze Beitia, Rafa Castejón, Ricardo Reguera, Nuria Pérez, Alberto Frías, Adrián Quiñones, Ariel Carmona, Mitxel Santamarina, Albert Díaz, Cristina Arias, María Ángeles Fernández, Esther Ruiz, Ana Moya and the pianist from the Centre de Perfeccionament Leo Moyano complete the cast.

Les Arts has scheduled four performances of 'La verbena de la Paloma' on November 2, 4, 6 and 8, in addition to the preview for those under 28 years of age that will take place this Thursday, October 31.