ville du mois: A Coruña

A Coruña and the Festival Mozart

Venues & Orchestras

History

Festival Mozart de La Coruña
www.festivalmozart.com - info@festivalmozart.com
May 19 – Jully 2, 2005

Created in 1989, the Festival Mozart de La Coruña has is mainly devoted to operatic works from the early Baroque period of the XVII Century, and the pre-Romantic period of the late XVIII and early XIX Centuries, dominated as it was by the giant figures of Mozart and Rossini.

In 2005, the operas’ theme is: " Opera and Myth", centred on characters who have entered the popular mythology of many different cultures, and who have in common the good fortune to reside in another world, far removed from the one we inhabit.
The Opera House will stage the Mozart’s operas Don Giovanni (new production) and Idomeneo as well as Rossini’s La Cenerentola while the Teatro Rosalía will be the venue for Orfeo by Antonio Sartorio.
Don Giovanni’s appearance bears close relation to the programming of the 2006 Festival which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth.
Idomeneo mixes human and divine passions, this will be the Spanish première of the production.
Cenerentola, the queen of fairy stories, is the production staged in the Rossini Opera Festival.
Orfeo has embodied from the beginning the fascination of music and art, the power of fantasy over every living being. Sartorio and Aureli’s reading of this story will surprise audiences by the modern treatment they have given it.

The festival also offers a full programme of concerts, recitals and chamber music specially focused this year on BACH, on the theme of "the art of the fugue”. Händel will also be represented by his early oratorio “La Resurrezione”. The rest of the programme will include concerts of recitals by Antonino Siragusa, Raúl Giménez and Alan Opie, devoted to composers from Russia, England and Latin America.

Main artists have already participated to the Festival, such as Juan Diego Flórez, Ewa Podles, Matthias Goerne, Andràs Schiff, Jesús López Cobos, Christian Zacharias, Maria João Pires,….

Teatro Rosalía Castro
Calle Riego de Agua, Número 37
Tel : 981 184 349 y 981 184 200
In 1838, The Town Council acquired the land where the church of San Jorge had stood, to build the theatre. A public subscription was raised for the building. In 1841, the New Theatre was finished but unfortunately was burned down in 1867 and rebuilt one year later.
The present name, Rosalía de Castro, was adopted in 1909. Then, the theatre was adapted for showing films too.
The theatre lies in the heart of the city, very near the Plaza de María Pita. The most prestigious events and shows come to this stage, for example many performances from the Mozart Festival.

Palacio de la Ópera
www.palacongres.es
The home of the Symphonic Orchestra of Galicia is the old Congress Hall recently rechristened the Opera House.

Coliseum
The Coliseum of La Coruña was opened on May 19th, 1991.
This emblematic building, lying at the main way to the city, with an avant-garde design, is used for all kinds of musical shows, sporting and leisure events, assemblies and trade fairs. In summer it serves as the city bull ring.
The Coliseum is now the centre for large scale shows in Galicia, the first multi-use complex of its kind in Spain.

Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia – OSG
www.sinfonicadegalicia.com
Created in 1992, under the auspices of A Coruña City Council, and housed in the Palacio de la Opera, the Galicia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is one of the most renowned ensembles in Spain. The last ten years have seen a huge musical activity and the creation of the Symphony Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, School of Orchestral Practice and the Child Singers of the GSO, as well as an annual Concert Season, a cycle of Chamber music, the Mozart Festival of A Coruña and Educational Programmes for all.
The Symphony ensemble, led by principal conductor Víctor Pablo Pérez, has already made recordings with perstigious performers such as María Bayo, Plácido Domingo, Juan Pons,…

The GSO can always count on the best soloists, such as Krystian Zimerman, Gil Shaham, Sarah Chang, Grigory Sokolov, Arcadi Volodos, Maria Joao Pires, F. P. Zimmermann, Mischa Maisky ; the vocalist like Alfredo Kraus, Teresa Berganza, Mirella Freni, Amanda Roocroft, Hildegard Behrens, Eva Marton, Carlos Chausson, Raúl Giménez, Carlos Álvarez, Giuseppe Sabbatini…. and always under the baton of great maestros such as Daniel Harding, Jesús López Cobos, Alberto Zedda, Emmanuel Krivine, Yoav Talmi, Josep Pons, John Nelson, Gianandrea Noseda…. Soon the names of Pollini, Tortelier, Skrowaczeski, Repin and Tomlison will be added to this long list of masters and instrumentalists.

The GSO pays special attention to the repertoire of the twentieth century, by placing commissions with established composers and by backing new talent.
In addition to being present at the main concert cycles and at the great musical venues in Spain, the GSO has made two tours in Austria and Germany.

A Coruña is situated in the Magnus Portus Artabrorum, surrounded by numerous castros. The Tower of Hercules is a Roman lighthouse which still guides seamen and has become an essential component of its coat of arms. All these features bear witness to A Coruña's ancient origin. It belonged to the estate of the bishop of Santiago until Alphonso IX granted it a lawcode of its own and other privileges in the early 13th century. The lanes and squares in the Old City, as well as the Churches of Santa María, Santiago, San Francisco and Santo Domingo are the best evidence of the activity of those centuries, although they have undergone later reforms.

In the 16th century sea trade grew considerably, and this, together with the establishment of the Army Headquarters and the High Court, strengthened the city's development. However, the most important event was the sailing of the Spanish Armada, which later brought the retaliations and attacks on the part of the English. The heroine María Pita showed great bravery in her defence of the city.

From the 18th century, a new age of splendour in A Coruña was to be seen in mansions and churches like those of San Jorge or San Nicolás. In the 19th century, its business and administrative activities grew and the city broadened. The Battle of Elviña was one of the most glorious, decisive episodes of the War of Independence, and the English General, John Moore, proved his heroism. The city's liberalism was evident in the military risings and proclamations of the time. As Martínez-Barbeito wrote: A Coruña is "today a developed, wealthy, pleasant city, that rests on its past experience and prestige to confidently look to the future".

Architecture

Some Highlights

In the surrounding area

A Coruña stands also contains the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city, which is an interesting Romanesque collection of streets, squares and medieval churches. The Aquarium Finisterrae, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the places that show the more modern, recreational side of the provincial capital, which offers one of its most beautiful facets in the wide beaches of Riazor and Orzán.

Tower of Hércules: Classical-roman, Neo-classical (2nd and 18th Centuries)
Iglesia de Santiago: Romanesque, Gothic (s. XIII, XIX)
A Mariña Galleries: Traditional, modernist (s. XIX)
Castelo de San Antón: Baroque (s. XVI, XVII)
Colexiata de Sta. Mª do Campo: Romanesque (s. XII, XIV)
Conv. e Igrexa Sto. Domingo: Baroque (s. XVII, XVIII)
Iglesia S. Jorge y S. Nicolás: Neo-classical (s. XVIII)
Palacio Municipal Pr. Mª Pita: Eclectic (s. XIX, XX)
Portas do Parrote y Murallas: Medieval (s. XIII, XVI)
Praza das Bárbaras: Portada Romanesque, Baroque (s. XII, XVI)
Xardín de San Carlos: Romanesque (s. XVI, XIX)

Torre de Hércules : It is one of the oldest active Roman lighthouses in the world.
The Tower of Hercules is located between Orzán cove and the Gulf of Ártabro. It is a Roman lighthouse from ancient Brigantium. It dates from the 2nd century AD, from the times of Trajano, and was reformed in 1788 by order of king Carlos IV. It was the work of the Lusitanian architect Cayo Sergio Lupo. It has a square plan, measures 68 metres and the light that it casts is visible at sea from a distance of 32 miles. There is a total of 242 steps. However, according to mythology, Hercules cut off the head of Gerion and built this monument after burying his remains below.

Colegiata de Santa María del Campo : This Romanesque cum Gothic collegiate church was once one of the areas most important.
It lies in Ciudad Vieja. It dates back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and was once the second most important parish church in the area. Building was completed in the year 1302 and it became a collegiate church in 1411. It is Romanesque in style and its plan includes three naves without a transept. There are wonderful works of art in the church from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries. The inside of the building has leaning columns. The bell tower has a capital from the fifteenth century and a pointed rose window at the top. The Sacred Art Museum lies inside.

Iglesia de Santiago : This is the oldest church in A Coruña. Built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, it was remodelled in Gothic style. The outstanding features of the façade are the brackets with grotesque figures.

Domus. Casa del Hombre : A spectacular building designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.

Museo de Bellas Artes : Located in the Maritime and Land Consulate in Coruña. It was designed by Manuel Gallego and won a National Architecture prize for construction. This building, managed to perfectly integrate the 18th century Capuchin convent, the work of Fernando de Casas, with the new construction work.

Betanzos
This town, washed by the Mandeo river and its tributary, the Mendo, celebrates numerous fairs and trade shows throughout the year.
Betanzos was named "Brigantium" by the Romans. The town sits on a hill where there used to be a hill-fort, on the mouth of the Betanzos estuary, where sea mixes with the freshwaters of the Mandeo and Mendo rivers. It was one of the seven capitals of the Old Kingdom of Galicia, and it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
Three Gothic churches lend it its character: Santiago, Santa María do Azogue and San Francisco. Also remarkable are the "pazos" (Galician country house) of Bendaña, Taboada, and Lanxós tower, as well as a surprising park named "O pasatempo", whose makers, who had emigrated to America, where ahead of their time and of the concept of modern theme park.
In Betanzos we can try the local wine, light and fruity, served in rustic establishments whose only emblem is a bay branch above the door.

Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, World Heritage City and capital of Galicia, is the final landmark on the St. James pilgrimage route. Centuries of splendour and development have left us an urban layout in which the medieval Christian heritage is mixed with monumental Baroque buildings. The Parador de Turismo de Santiago, right in the Plaza del Obradoiro, welcomes guests and offers them the opportunity to taste the best of the Galician culinary tradition. It is a tradition which reaches its peak during the Festival of the Apostle Saint James, declared of International Tourist Interest.
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
The construction of the cathedral began in the year 1075, during the reign of Alfonso VI and was promoted by Bishop Diego Peláez. Work was carried out under the orders of maestro Esteban on the remains of old temples raised in devotion to the saint. It was built with three naves and a Latin cross plan, on a surface area of around 8,300 square metres. Its multiple extensions have increased the different architectonic styles in the building (Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Plateresque and Neo-classical). The Portico de la Gloria is the main entrance. It was constructed by Maestro Mateo in 1188 and houses hundreds of figures representing the Apocalypse. The façade is considered one of the greatest expressions of the Spanish Baroque period. The Main Altar is also in the Baroque style and the crypt of the Apostle St. James is located beneath it.

Food & Drink

Traditional customs

The importance of its gastronomy is manifested at the more than 300 gastronomic fiestas which are held in Galicia throughout the year. The origins of these exaltations to local produce, lie in the many local and regional traditional fiestas held during harvest time or religious holidays, such as the "romerías", where promises are made to the patron saint and then completed with a traditional meal. Some of these fiestas attract great crowds and have been recognised as of national tourist interest.

A Coruña is not only the city of seafood nor is it only the city in which quality and variety reach the highest level. It is also a place where they know how best to handle everything offered by the sea, cook it to perfection and accompany it with the best garnishes.

Barnacles from the North Coast of Galicia : This crustacean, which for many is the king of all seafood, grows on the rocky coast that is battered by the open sea. Its unmistakable sea flavour and high quality make the barnacle from Galicia a very prestigious product.

Fish: hake, turbot, sea-bass, grouper and sole. They are prepared in classical styles: grilled, a la Gallega (Galician fashion) or caldeirada (a sort of casserole), or else sophisticatedly dressed by expert cooks.
Seafood : shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, served fried or in their own ink, and crab.
Octopus "á feira" : cooked, sliced, sprinkled with paprika and salt, and dressed with olive oil.
Pulpo con cachelos y aceite de pimentón : Octopus with potatoes and paprika oil

Galician beef sirloin : Wealth from Galicia is the most characteristic expression of regional livestock production
Caldo gallego : Galician broth, made of green beans, chard, French beans, cabbage and parsnip tops, potatoes and haricot beans
Cocido gallego : Galician stew, made of ham, beef, poulard and chorizo, accompanied bay cabbage, potatoes and chickpeas
Empanada : filled pastries, can be stuffed with pork rib, meat, pork loin, beef loin, sardines, octopus, cod with raisins, bonito
Lacón con grelos : shoulder of pork with a turnip tops. Potatoes and chorizo, are usually added to the boiled pork and the chunks of cabbage
Androlla ou botelo : Chorizos and salchichones : salami-type sausages.

Traditional cheeses of Galicia, whose home elaboration is widespread and deeply rooted :
Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese
San Simón da Costa cheese
Cebreiro cheese

Filloas (a kind of pancake, Galician crepes), the most original and delicious dessert that can be tasted in our land.
Santiago Almond Tart : Along with 'filloas', the Santiago Almond Tort is the most typical dessert in Galicia. The delicious cake, the delicate almond flavour and the characteristic and unmistakable cross of Santiago, made with powdered sugar, make it a well known product both inside and outside of Galicia.

Wine is produced throughout Galicia, although especially in the southern half. A quick survey brings our attention to the five main controlled appellations, Monterrey, Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro and Valdeorras.

The most famous of its liqueurs is the "aguardiente gallego", a high-proof distillate which is used to make the traditional mulled drink known as "queimada" (sugared "aguardiente" which is flamed). Coffee liqueur, cherry liqueur and herb liqueur.

The Galician population is divided into almost 3,800 parishes, which is the typical division inherited from the Swabians (a 5th century invading people). Now every parish has its own fair or fairs, especially during the summer months. Therefore, one can imagine the vast number of fairs in these lands. Besides these popular fairs, Galician folklore, rich and varied in traditions and legends, has given birth to countless romerías (a kind of short festive pilgrimage) and other religious and pagan festivities.The only drawback is the impossibility of attending them all. The feast of the maios, which celebrates springtime; the bonfires of Saint John, at the summer solstice; and the magosto, when the first chestnuts are roasted and the first wines tasted, are some examples that can be cited.

Fogueiras de San Xoán
The night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, thousands of bonfires are lit on Riazor beach, or in the various districts. Families and groups of friends dance around the fires and share a feast of roast sardines and boiled potatoes known as "cachelos".

Among the romerías, the most visited ones are the Virgin of the Boat in Muxía (A Coruña).
Among the most original, local feasts, the curros or Rapa das Bestas (the shearing and branding of wild horses) must be noted. This feast originated from farm labours, which include the breeding of horses which are set free in the wild country. Some twenty curros are celebrated in different parts of Lugo, A Coruña and Pontevedra from May to August.

During all the month of August, the city is in feast: there are concerts of classical music, folklore, the fireworks and the Battle naval which shows the heroic combat carried out by Maria Pita face has Sir Francis Drake in XVIe century.

Things to Do

Hotels

Restaurants

Domus. Casa del Hombre
An interactive museum on human beings, installed in a spectacular building designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Contents are discovered through the different exhibitions, such as: the Me (identity), Us (demography), the Senses, the Heart, the Motor System, the Brain, the Skills or the Language. There are almost 200 modules in the exhibitions, most of which are interactive and mechanisms must be activated to understand them. A face made up of over ten thousand photographs of other faces reproduces the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. The building has an IMAX projection room.

Casa de las Ciencias
The first public interactive centre in Spain, financed by the City Council of A Coruña. A permanent exhibition of the principles of science, technology and the world of nature. The 1st floor contains the modules where you can personally experience physical phenomena. The 2nd contains the temporary exhibition rooms. In the third you can see displays on current scientific topics that are updated each year. The cupola is occupied by the Planetarium where, on a 10 m. diameter dome, the sky and stars visible from the Earth are represented.

Museo Arqueológico e Histórico
The artistic heritage of this museum, is installed in the Castle of San Antón. He is distributed in three sections. The Archaeology section exhibits pieces that illustrate the evolution of the province, where you can see the torques of Xanceda. Another section is dedicated to Medieval Sculpture and Heraldry. The last section, located on the top floor, is dedicated to History, with pieces from the main historical events of the city.

Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the main cultural references in Galicia. Its collection exceeds 5000 pieces, with works from various artistic disciplines: painting, sculpture, engraving, ceramics and decorative arts. Spanish and foreign authors such as Juan de Juanes, Murillo, Tintoretto or Rubens coexist with 19th and 20th century Galician painters. The engravings room focuses on the outstanding character of Goya. In one of the rooms, worthy homage is paid to the ceramics of Sargadelos. There is also a temporary exhibition room.

Hotel La Toja Finisterre*****
Paseo del Parrote, 2 - 4.
Tel. 981 205 400
Fax 981 208 462
infofinisterre@latojahoteles.com

Hotel NH Atlántico ****
Jardines Méndez Núñez
15006 Coruña, La
Tel. 981.226500
nhatlantico@nh-hotels.com

Hotel Barceló Coruña ****
C/ Enrique Mariñas, s/n.
Tel. 981 179299
Fax 981 130505

Hotel AC A Coruña ****
C/ Enrique Mariñas, s/nº Matogrande
Tel. 981 175 490
e-mail: acacoruna@ac-hotels.com

Hotel Zenit Coruña ****
C/ Comandante Fontanes, 19
Tel. 981 21 84 84
Fax 981 20 40 40
e-mail: dircoruna@zenithoteles.com

Casa Pardo
Good desserts with accompanying wine. Magnificent wine cellar with more than 300 entries of national and international wines.Wine is served in a professional manner.Correct handling. Booking is advisable.

A la Brasa
Calle Juan Flórez, 38
Tel. +34 981270727 - Fax +34 981275283
With its rather traditional kitchen, without too many complications, with rump steak as a star dish and without turning up its nose at rice or seafood, this restaurant maintains the favour of the La Coruña public. Free parking for three hours in the public car park.

Coral
Callejón de la Estacada, 9
Tel. +34 981200569 - Fax +34 981229104
A genuine La Coruña classic, upholding classic cookery in international style, which is combined with suggestions having a clear Galician flavour. Good selection of seafood and notable attention to seasonal products.

Domus (Museo del Hombre)
Calle Ángel Rebollo, s/n
Tel. +34 981203862
Eduardo Pardo continues to practice modern, well balanced cuisine with a very solid basis. Its variegated scallops on creamed potato and garlic bread or its cod crystallised in ratatouille and little vegetables are highly esteemed. Good, well cared for wine list. Magnificent views over Riazor.