The Most Glorious Zarzuela

Emilio Sagi, stage director of this emblematic Luisa Fernanda, defined the most popular of Moreno Torroba’s creations as “a story of sentiments”. Of course, the atmosphere has an impact on the story. But neither the historical context (the convulsive times of Spain in 1868) nor the unquestionable authenticity it evokes (very stylized, as seen in the elegant mazurka of the parasols) are as important as the love dilemma of the protagonist. She must choose between exciting and seductive Javier or Vidal who is respectable and convenient. It is the Duchess Carolina who resolves this love triangle.

Absent from the Maestranza programme since 2012, it returns in the production of the Teatro Real (Madrid) which has been highly acclaimed on stages around half the world. An undeniable plus of the show is the spectacular cast led by four of the best voices of the Spanish panorama today. A perfect combination of youth and experience on the stage under conductor Jordi Bernàcer. One of the most inspired zarzuelas, a jewel of the repertoire, blessed here by the “Sagi trademark” and produced in ideal artistic conditions. It returns to enthuse fans who have lived the experience, and it will enchant those who are recent arrivals.


Lyric Comedy in three acts by Federico Moreno Torroba
Libretto by Federico Romero Sarachaga and Guillermo Fernández-Shaw Iturralde
Premiere on 26 March, 1932 at the Teatro Calderón of Madrid
Last seen at the Teatro de la Maestranza in 2012