In Spain, there are two reasons to go to the opera. The first one, of course, is to see the show. Many magnificent productions grace the stages of Spain’s great opera houses. And this is the second reason: to see the opera houses themselves. Teatro Real in Madrid, the Teatro Gran Liceu in Barcelona, the Teatro Reina Sofia in Valencia all offer breathtaking backdrops for these spectacular performances. If your group has an interest in fine arts and culture, why not let opera guide your tour through Spain?
Madrid: Teatro Real
The Teatro Real in Madrid is a world reference for excellence in opera. The setting itself is stunning: it is an Italian-style hall with widely-acclaimed acoustics, along with imposing rooms such as the Vergara, adorned with 18th-century oil paintings. During the intermission, spectators can go up to the Café de Palacio on the sixth floor to take in the splendid view of La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, and gaze upon famous paintings on loan from the Reina Sofia Museum.
For the 2019 season, opera enthusiasts can enjoy new productions by today’s best directors, with classic shows including Faust, Turandot and Il trovatore as well as the latest vanguards like Only the Sound Remains, and paramount operas like Capriccio and La Calisto. Some of the world’s finest opera in a truly privileged setting.
Barcelona: Gran Teatro del Liceu
More than 160 years ago, the city of Barcelona founded its Gran Teatro del Liceu, which was said to be one of the biggest theaters in Europe. A fire destroyed the auditorium and stage in 1861, but it was rebuilt without the second-floor amphitheater. Another fire destroyed the theater in 1994, leaving only the entrance and horseshoe arch, and the theater was rebuilt again in its original spectacular form.
This theater has earned international prestige as one of Spain’s most important centers for culture and art, for the high quality of performances that are staged as well as its modern style. In 2019, the program includes classics like Madame Butterfly, Rodelinda, Hamlet, La Gioconda, Agrippina, and Tosca; as well as contemporary productions like Les pêcheurs de perles and the world premiere of L’enigma di Lea.
Teatro Reina Sofia in Valencia
Valencia is known as the Spanish city where innovation fuses with tradition, and its opera house is no exception. Teatro Reina Sofia within the Palau de les Arts is set at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea as part of the emblematic Arts and Sciences Centre, a delightfully modern complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.
Great Spanish and international voices will share the stage here in 2019 for productions including Turandot, The Magic Flute, I masnadieri, Iolanta, La malquerida, Rigoletto, and Lucia de Lammermoor.
Corporate events in Spain: A tour of culture
These three theaters may be Spain’s most famous, but there are plenty of other superb venues that present world-class opera, like the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo or the Teatro La Maestranza in Seville. If your group appreciates the fine arts and would like to experience Spain through its great theaters, we can help you plan an itinerary that highlights some of the productions taking place in 2019. Get in touch today!
Corporate Events in Spain
