Zarzuela at Les Arts in the month of November

“Pan y Toros” is the work chosen by Les Arts for the Valencian public to once again enjoy a zarzuela, the most popular musical stage genre until the 20th century. The work of Francisco Asenjo Barbieri will be performed in the Main Hall of the Palau de Les Arts from November 4 to 12.

On the occasion of the bicentenary of Barbieri's birth, the Teatro de la Zarzuela has selected this new production of “Pan y Toros” with stage direction by the well-known actor Juan Echanove, in what is his first attempt in this genre.

Premiering in late 1864, “Pan y Toros” is a large zarzuela in three acts that portrays the Madrid of the late 18th century as a Goya tapestry, taking advantage of an intrigue between conservatives and liberals in which the decisive presence of Manuel Godoy as true regent of Charles IV's designs for Spain is exposed.

In “Pan y Toros”, the fate of a nation also plays its chance cards in a game where Barbieri treats the foreign meddling in Spain's designs with his usual mastery and musical brilliance.

This opera also offers a special occasion to attract a younger audience since it includes, on November 2, a special performance for people under 28 at a special price of just €10.

So for the young and not so young, November is the time for zarzuela in Les Arts, a unique opportunity to learn about or rediscover the musical genre preferred by Spanish society for more than two centuries.