Aveline Kirana
The Teatro de la Zarzuela has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026-27 season, a vibrant tapestry of Spanish musical theatre that promises to captivate audiences with a rich selection of classic zarzuelas, contemporary premieres, and intimate chamber performances. Spanning from September 2026 to June 2027, the season is a testament to the theatre’s enduring commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of this unique Spanish art form, while also embracing new voices and innovative interpretations. This comprehensive program offers a compelling blend of historical significance, stellar artistic talent, and diverse programming, solidifying the Teatro de la Zarzuela’s position as a cornerstone of the cultural landscape.
A Season of Celebrated Masterpieces
The season opener, commencing on September 23, 2026, and running through October 4, will present Tomás Bretón’s enduring masterpiece, La verbena de la Paloma. This beloved zarzuela, a quintessential portrayal of Madrid’s popular festivals, will feature a distinguished cast including Toni Comas, Gerardo López, Jorge Rodríguez Norton, Borja Quiza, César San Martín, Milagros Martín, Carmen Romeu, María Rey-Joly, Ana San Martín, Gurutze Beitia, Sara Salado, and Rafa Castejón. The production will be under the baton of conductor Carlos Aragón, with Nuria Castejón helming the stage direction, promising a fresh yet respectful rendition of this comedic gem. La verbena de la Paloma, premiered in 1894, has long been celebrated for its lively music and sharp social commentary, offering a vibrant snapshot of late 19th-century Madrid life. Its return to the Teatro de la Zarzuela stage is expected to draw significant attention from both seasoned zarzuela enthusiasts and newcomers alike, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the repertoire.
Following closely, from November 25 to December 2, 2026, the theatre will host Bercovich’s Las Trece Rosas Rojas. This production, a poignant exploration of a significant historical event, will be conducted by Luis Miguel Méndez and directed by Alfonso Romero. The powerful narrative will be brought to life by an ensemble cast featuring Ruth Iniesta, Natalia Labourdette, Rocío Pérez, Annya Pinto, Serena Pérez, Yasmín Forastiero, Mar Morán, Ruth Rosique, Carmen Solís, Leticia Rodríguez, Ángeles Blancas, Amparo Navarro, Lucía Beltrán, Ana Arantxa Cooper, Andrea Rey, José Julián Frontal, and Gabriel Alonso. The inclusion of Las Trece Rosas Rojas signifies the theatre’s dedication to presenting works that resonate with contemporary societal concerns and historical memory, offering a stark contrast to the lightheartedness of the season’s opening.
The season continues with Jacinto Guerrero’s Los Gavilanes, scheduled from January 28 to February 13, 2027. This operetta, known for its romantic melodies and engaging plot, will be led by conductor Jordi Bernàcer and directed by the acclaimed Mario Gas. The principal roles will be interpreted by Juan Jesús Rodríguez, Javier Franco, Borja Quiza, Maite Alberola, Maribel Ortega, Amparo Navarro, Vicenç Esteve, Santiago Ballerini, Sofía Esparza, and Sara Bañeras. Los Gavilanes, first performed in 1921, has captivated audiences with its blend of drama and sentiment, and its revival under Mario Gas is anticipated to be a significant artistic event.
March 11-28, 2027, will mark the presentation of Francisco Asenjo Barbieri’s seminal work, La Bruja. This operatic zarzuela, renowned for its dramatic intensity and supernatural themes, will feature a stellar cast including Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Miren Urbieta-Vega, Mónica Redondo, Jorge de León, Celso Albelo, Andrés Sánchez Joglar, Sonia de Munck, Carolina Moncada, César Gutiérrez-Figueiras, Pablo García López, Luis López, Lola Casariego, and Xavier Ribera-Vall. The production will be conducted by José Miguel Pérez-Sierra and directed by Ignacio García. La Bruja, a cornerstone of the zarzuela repertoire, premiered in 1887 and continues to enthrall with its intricate plot and powerful score.
A significant highlight of the season will be the performance of El Duo de "la Africana", with dates set for April 10-17, 2027. Conducted by Julia Cruz and directed by Susana Gómez, this production is poised to offer a fresh perspective on a well-loved work. While specific casting for this particular production was not detailed in the initial announcement, the involvement of these acclaimed artistic teams suggests a high-caliber performance.
Concluding the major zarzuela productions, José de Nebra’s Venus y Adonis will grace the stage from May 5-9, 2027. This Baroque opera, a significant work from the Spanish musical heritage, will feature Tamara Banjevic, Natalie Pérez, María José Moreno, Iria Goti, Judith Subirana, and Carol García in leading roles. The musical direction will be entrusted to Alberto Míguez Rouco, with Amelia Ochandiano at the helm of the stage direction. The inclusion of Venus y Adonis underscores the Teatro de la Zarzuela’s commitment to exploring the historical evolution of Spanish musical theatre, showcasing works that predate the golden age of zarzuela.
The season will culminate with Barbieri’s El barberillo de Lavapiés, running from June 9-25, 2027. This grand zarzuela, a staple of the repertoire, will be conducted by José Miguel Pérez-Sierra and Julio César Picos. Under the visionary direction of Christof Loy, the production will boast a distinguished cast, including David Oller, Carlos Reynoso, Carmen Artaza, Montserrat Seró, Cristina Toledo, Sofía Esparza, Santiago Sánchez, César Arrieta, and Alejandro Baliñas. El barberillo de Lavapiés, first performed in 1874, is celebrated for its patriotic themes and infectious melodies, making its concluding run a highly anticipated event.
Expanding Horizons: Chamber Works and Concert Series
Beyond its mainstage zarzuela productions, the Teatro de la Zarzuela is enriching its programming with a diverse array of chamber works and concert events, demonstrating a holistic approach to musical presentation.
From September 30 to December 13, 2026, audiences can experience Juan de Hidalgo’s Andrómeda y Perseo. This significant Baroque opera, a foundational work in Spanish musical history, will be conducted by Aarón Zapico and directed by Nuria Castejón, featuring Pilar Alva-Martín, Maëlys Robinne, Andrea Rey, Rita Filipe, Gabriel Díaz, and Javier Blanco. The extended performance run suggests a desire to allow ample opportunity for audiences to engage with this historically important piece.
A single performance on October 8, 2026, will showcase Alberto Carretero’s Poeta en Nueva York. This contemporary work, inspired by Federico García Lorca’s seminal poetry, will feature Sergio Gómez «El Colorao», Javier Povedano, and Laura García-Lorca, with the composer Alberto Carretero conducting and Rita Cosentino directing. This inclusion highlights the theatre’s commitment to fostering new creations and engaging with modern artistic interpretations.
The concert series offers a varied landscape of musical exploration. On November 23, 2026, a concert titled "Feliz Cumpleaños, Don Manuel" will celebrate the legacy of Manuel de Falla, featuring performances by Carolina Alcaide, Ramón Grau, Sylvia Torán, and Estela Alonso.
A New York-themed concert is scheduled for January 3, 2027, with Cristina Toledo, Sofía Esparza, Carmen Artaza, Santiago Sánchez, David Oller, and Alejandro Baliñas performing under the baton of José Miguel Pérez-Sierra. This concert, following the festive season, aims to bring a touch of international flair to the theatre’s programming.
January 19, 2027, will feature a special tribute to the legendary tenor Alfredo Kraus, with Yolanda Auyanet, Ismael Jordi, and Simón Orfila taking to the stage, conducted by José Miguel Pérez-Sierra. This homage to one of Spain’s most iconic voices is expected to be a deeply moving event.
A dedicated zarzuela concert will take place on June 27, 2027, with soprano Ruth Iniesta performing under the direction of José Miguel Pérez-Sierra. This concert provides a focused platform to celebrate the diverse vocal and musical offerings of the zarzuela genre.
The "Ambigu" series, known for its intimate and curated performances, will feature Laura Brasó and Rubén Fernández Aguirre performing works by Isaac Albéniz on March 30, 2027. This series offers a unique opportunity to experience Spanish music in a more personal setting.
A Distinguished Lieder Recital Series
The 2026-27 season also boasts an impressive Lieder recital series, attracting internationally renowned vocalists and pianists. The series commences on October 6, 2026, with a performance by soprano Christiane Karg and pianist Malcolm Martineau. This pairing of a celebrated singer with a distinguished accompanist sets a high standard for the entire series.
Following on October 26, 2026, tenor Andreas Schager will perform with pianist Guillermo García Calvo. This collaboration promises a powerful and expressive evening of Lieder.
November 30, 2026, will see the return of the esteemed duo Ian Bostridge and Julius Drake to the recital stage, further cementing the series’ reputation for quality.
January 24, 2027, will feature a compelling trio of artists: Adriana González, Marina Viotti, and Iñaki Encina Oyón. This collaboration is anticipated to offer a diverse and engaging program.
February 2, 2027, will present a concert featuring Anja Mittermüller and Richard Fu, hinting at a program that may extend beyond traditional Lieder to encompass other art song traditions.
Julian Prégardien and Kristian Bezuidenhout will take to the stage on February 15, 2027, continuing the series’ tradition of showcasing exceptional artistry.
Julia Kleiter and Gerold Huber will perform a recital on May 16, 2027, offering a sophisticated program for discerning listeners.
The Lieder series will conclude on June 14, 2027, with a performance by baritone José Antonio López and pianist Malcolm Martineau, bringing a close to a season dedicated to the art of song.
Strategic Programming and Artistic Vision
The Teatro de la Zarzuela’s 2026-27 season is a carefully curated program that reflects a strategic vision for the theatre. By juxtaposing well-loved zarzuela classics with contemporary works and exploring the historical roots of Spanish musical theatre, the season aims to broaden its appeal and engage a diverse audience. The inclusion of multiple chamber music and recital formats demonstrates a commitment to presenting music in its various forms, from grand operatic productions to intimate vocal performances.
The consistent presence of prominent conductors and directors, such as Carlos Aragón, Nuria Castejón, Luis Miguel Méndez, Alfonso Romero, Jordi Bernàcer, Mario Gas, José Miguel Pérez-Sierra, and Ignacio García, underscores the theatre’s dedication to artistic excellence. These figures are known for their insightful interpretations and their ability to bring out the best in both the music and the performers.
Furthermore, the theatre’s commitment to showcasing a range of Spanish composers, from the Baroque era to the present day, is a vital aspect of its mission. This programming not only preserves and promotes national musical heritage but also provides a platform for contemporary Spanish artists to develop and present new works.
The inclusion of Las Trece Rosas Rojas is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the theatre’s willingness to engage with politically and socially relevant themes. This choice signals a desire to use the power of art to foster dialogue and reflection on important historical moments.
The robust Lieder series, featuring a constellation of international stars, elevates the Teatro de la Zarzuela’s profile on the global stage, attracting aficionados of classical art song and offering Madrid audiences the opportunity to experience world-class recitals. This diversification of programming, while rooted in the zarzuela tradition, broadens the theatre’s artistic scope and appeal.
The overall impact of this season is expected to be significant, reinforcing the Teatro de la Zarzuela’s role as a vital cultural institution. By offering a balanced and ambitious program, the theatre is poised to attract both local audiences and international visitors, contributing to Madrid’s vibrant cultural scene and ensuring the continued vitality of Spanish musical theatre. The careful planning and diverse offerings for the 2026-27 season signal a forward-looking approach, promising a year of exceptional artistic achievement and memorable performances.
