Music & Opera : programm and booking for Madrid

Madrid and music		Venues & Festivals		History
Since the opening of the Auditorio Nacional de Música and the renovation of the Teatro Real, music is more than ever an all-pervasive presence. While the Spanish capital of opera seems to be Barcelona, Madrid, where the famous Zarzuela continues to reign, is not to be outdone. The Zarzuela The origins of the Zarzuela date back to the 17th century; the “Fiestas de Zarzuela” were then a type of performance in which the word prevailed over the music. The first productions were by Lope de Vega and later Calderón. But in the 18th century, Italian Opera gained a following in Spain and the genre took a back seat. With the expansion of the audience to the middle classes, the Zarzuela came back forcefully to reach its true heyday in the 19th century with Barbieri, Arrieta, Bretón, Chapí and Vives. Often compared to French Opéra Comique or German Singspiel because it alternates singing with the spoken word, it differs from them in the recurrence of dance rhythms and popular Spanish tunes. Born in Madrid, the Zarzuela nevertheless spread throughout the Spanish-speaking world and met with the same success everywhere. Madrid and music As the history of music in Madrid has been largely dominated by the Zarzuela, opera developed less there than in Barcelona, perhaps leaving more room for an orchestral tradition. Court composers, Domenico Scarlatti then Luigi Boccherini were the first two figures to really set Madrid apart. In the 17th and 18th centuries, opera was monopolised by Italian or French companies, leaving Spanish composers to flourish in the Zarzuela. It was not until the 19th century, with Albéniz (creator of the modern Spanish school) and Granados (who was inspired by the city’s folklore) that Madrid found its place in international music. Mention should also be made of Rodrigo, (Director of the “music” department of Radio Nacional) composer of the extremely famous Concierto de Aranjuez, Halffter and de Pablo, with his serial technique and above all Manuel de Falla, considered Spain’s greatest composer. Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid - www.orcam.org Established in 1987 and 1984 respectively, the Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid, the resident companies of the Teatro de la Zarzuela since 1998, already have a substantial musical history. A great many soloists such as Shlomo Mintz, Plácido Domingo and Aldo Ciccolini have performed under the direction of conductors such as Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Robert King, Eric Ericson, Josep Pons… The orchestra is frequently invited to the major Spanish festivals under the direction of José Ramón Encinar, its Principal Conductor. Orquesta Sinfonica y Coro de la RTVE - www.rtve.es/oficial/orquesta_coro/ This orchestra was founded in 1965 under the direction of Franco-Russian conductor Igor Markevitch with a concert of Prokofiev, W agner, Falla and Beethoven. It has played host to many guests such as Celibidache, Maazel, Kondrashin, Frühbeck de Burgos, Inbal, Marriner, López Cobos, Dutoit, Helmut Rilling and Leopold Hager. It is the chief instrument for music broadcasting on the radio, and is consequently the most widely heard orchestra in Spain. Orquesta Sinfonica de Madrid - www.osm.es Madrid’s symphony orchestra was founded in 1903. Enrique Fernández Arbós was its Musical Director for over 30 years, inviting composers such as Richard Strauss and Stravinsky. Since then, it has been directed by the greatest conductors, García Navarro, Rostropovitch, Penderecki and Kurt Sanderling (Honorary Conductor). Cristóbal Halffter is i ts current composer in residence. Orquesta Nacional de España - http://ocne.mcu.es Spain’s National Orchestra, the result of a merger of 2 national orchestras, was set up in 1942 by Joaquín Turina. The first concert was held at the María Guerrero theatre in March 1942. This orchestra was directed successively by Bartolomé Pérez Casas, Ataúlfo Argenta, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos (Honorary Director since 1998), Antoni Ros-Marbà, Jesús López Cobos and the Milanese conductor Aldo Ceccato. Its current Artistic Director is Josep Pons. Many guest conductors, such as Markevitch, Celibidache, Mehta, Abbado, Giulini and Jochum, have led the orchestra. Its repertoire, which includes a lot of Spanish music, ranges from the great works of the 18th century to 20th century compositions.		Teatro Real - www.teatro-real.com The theatre, opened in 1850, became the centre of Madrid’s artistic and social life. The works performed most were the operas of Verdi, Meyerbeer, Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini and later Wagner. Spanish opera also featured, with works by Ruperto Chapí, Tomás Bretón and Emilio Serrano. In 1916-1917 Ballets Russes de Diaghilev performed here in the presence of Nijinsky and Stravinsky. Victim of an explosion during the civil war, the rebuilt theatre reopened its doors in 1966 as a concert hall, home of the Orquesta y Coro Nacional de España and later home of the Orquesta y Coro de la RTVE. In 1977, the theatre was declared a National Monument. But in 1988, the Auditorio Nacional began to put on concerts and this led to the closure of the Teatro Real. It was then completely renovated and reopened in 1997 as a venue mainly for operas and ballets. Teatro de la Zarzuela - http://teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es/ Boosted by the strength and popularity of the genre, the Teatro de la Zarzuela, with its superb chandeliers and painted ceilings, opened its doors in 1856. The stage and orchestra pit plans are owed to the composer Barbieri who wrote a symphony on Zarzuela themes for its opening. In 1909, fire destroyed the theatre which was rebuilt in 1913. After the civil war, shows became more infrequent, and it was sold to the Sociedad General de Autores de España in 1956. One hundred years after it was built, it underwent some modifications enabling it, in the absence of an Auditorium and Opera House in Madrid, to host dance, Flamenco, opera and Zarzuela. In 1998 the Zarzuela fully regained its place in its own theatre, which also still puts on recitals and dance. Auditorio Nacional de Musica de Madrid www.auditorionacional.mcu.es Opened in 1988, this is the home of the Orquesta y Coro Nacional de España (OCNE). This auditorium has 2 concert halls in which over 350 concerts are performed each season.< /font> Autumn Festival www.madrid.org/festivales The Autumn Festival, begun in 1984, is held from the last week of October to the end of November. Theatre, music and dance are the main features of the programme. Exhibitions of paintings and photography and films are also put on during the festival. The festival, which offers an international programme, has welcomed some highly renowned guests (Mikhail Baryshnikov, Peter Brook, Robert Wilson...) and major foreign companies (Théâtre de l’Odéon from Paris, Teatro Piccolo from Milan, Stomp, DV8...). Some of Spain’s top creative talents and performers such as Teresa Berganza, José Carreras, Claudio Prieto, José Mercé, Carmen Linares, Nuria Espert, Mariano Barroso, Lluís Pascual, Mario Gas, Sara Baras have also taken part in the festival.		Madjrit, founded in 931 by Mohammed I, was an Arab fortress at the foot of which grew up a small town surrounded by ramparts protecting the city of Toledo. This fortress was conquered and incorporated into the Christian kingdoms by Alfonso VI in 1083. Further walls were built in the 12th century then in the fourteenth century, and in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the kings of Castille spent more and more time there. In 1561 Madrid was made capital of the Spanish Empire by Philip II who moved his court and the kingdom’s administration to the city. Churches, monasteries, palaces and monuments were built and the presence of the court led to rapid demographic growth. With Philip IV (1625-1635), Madrid experienced a period of splendour. Many monuments were built in the city and its surrounding area. Political, artistic and economic life was at its height. During the 19th century, Madrid fell victim to the climate of political instability that affected the whole country. Liberals and conservatives organised many rebellions. The French occupation and the popular uprising of 2 May 1808 (marking the beginning of the War of Independence against the French) brought about considerable transformations: the ramparts we re demolished and a huge expansion plan was set in motion. In 1814, Ferdinand VII of Bourbon ascended the throne after the defeat of Napoleon’s armies. His absolutist policies provoked a revolution that was repressed through the intervention of Louis XVIII. In 1898 the disastrous war against the United States marked the end of Spain’s colonial empire with the loss of its last remaining colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines) In 1931 Alfonso XIII left Spain following the republican victory at the elections. The civil war (1936-1939) gave rise to violent conflicts between nationalists and republicans. Madrid was defended by the republican army of General Miaja. It was the last republican town to surrender to the nationalists in March 1939. Once the war was over, the considerably enlarged city received the entire bureaucratic infrastructure of the nation. After 40 years of dictatorship under General Franco, Madrid embarked on its transition to democracy. The first free elections were held in 1977 and a new constitution was established the following year. It was not until the middle of the 20th century that the modern city really developed (urban planning policy, built-up districts and the creation of parks). Madrid, with many distinguished resident intellectuals and artists, is turning into a major centre of attraction. Passing from Francoist austerity to postmodernism, from censorship to La Movida, Madrid has become the headquarters of the Stock Exchange, of major banks and big companies. In 1986 Spain entered the European Community, and in 1992 Madrid was declared capital of culture.

Architecture		Some Highlights		In the surrounding area
The Town’s Structure Unlike most cities that have been built up over centuries, Madrid was born from a decision of Philip II who wished to turn this little town into the showcase of Spain. The town was designed to a unique architectural plan, with broad thoroughfares. Districts Madrid is divided into three areas: - In the centre, the Casco antiguo (this corresponds to the city prior to the 19th century) with narrow and irregular streets, dilapidated buildings, official buildings and department stores. - The Ensanche which corresponds to the urban expansion with districts built in the 19th century as far as the outer boulevards. These are residential areas, with fairly working class districts at Chamberi and smarter districts such as Castellana, Salamanca and Almagro. - The outer ring contains two thirds of Madrid’s population. Very mixed districts depending on when they were built and the social standing of their inhabitants. Former villages (Hortaleza, Carabanchel) were incorporated into the city. Huge building complexes have been built in the east (Moratalaz, San Blas), north and south of the city. Some villages (Leganés, Alcorcón, Móstoles) have become significant residential suburbs. Architectural Styles Heritage of Moorish Architecture Many traces of Mudéjar art, reminders of the Muslim population that remained in Castille after the Christian reconquest, can be seen in the city. Worth seeing: - Remains of the Moorish ramparts - Plaza de Toros de Ventas (the world’s first amphitheatre): Mudéjar style, decorated with azulejos (glazed tiles). - Iglesia San Nicolàs de los Servitas Gothic / Renaissance Transition Worth seeing: - Capilla del Obispo, completed in the 16th century Renaissance (16th century) Worth seeing: - San Lorenzo del Escorial: The work of architect Juan de Herrera, this palace-monastery chosen by Philip II, shows most clearly the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern era. With its many courtyards, the Escorial is considered the precursor of the great Baroque abbeys of Austria and southern Germany. - Plateresque Style (a fusion of Gothic, Moorish and Italian Quattrocento elements) peculiar to Renaissance Spain. This style began in the reign of the Catholic Monarchs and continued un til Philip II (1527-1598) Churrigueresque (17th and 18th century) Continuing in the style of Herrera’s Escorial, Spanish architecture in the 17th century joined with the major trends of international Baroque. Churrigueresque is the Spanish version of Baroque. This style, introduced by the architect and sculptor José de Churriguera (1665-1725), was represented particularly by Pedro de Ribera (1683-1742), municipal architect of Madrid from 1726 onwards, to whom we owe a great many Baroque palaces and churches. Worth seeing: - Virgen del Puerto hermitage (1718) - Façade of the Hospicio, municipal museum of Madrid (1722), with arabesques and coloured marbles - Church of Montserrat - Façade of San Cayetano - Real Academia de Bellas Artes Neoclassicism Juan de Villanueva (1739-1811), appointed chief court architect by Charles IV, designed the Observatory (begun in 1790) and the Prado museum (designed in 1785 and completed in the following century). The famous Paseo del Prado is the product of the major city development of the 18th century. 19th Century Marked by the eclecticism of its architectural style, this century combined Gothic, Classical and Baroque elements Worth seeing: - Bank of Spain - Linares Palace. Neo-Mudejar (late 19th century) Worth seeing: - Palacio de la Música (Art Deco) - Sociedad General de Autores de España (Art Nouveau) Modernism Worth seeing: - The twin towers of Plaza de Europa		Churches - Basílica de San Francisco el Grande Construction commissioned by Charles III and completed by Francisco Sabatini in 1776. Interior decoration by Goya. - Monasterio la Encarnación A 12th century monastery exhibiting an impressive collection of relics with precious works of art from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries - Iglesia San Nicolás de los Servitas A rare example of Mudéjar art, this is Madrid’s oldest church - Iglesia San Antonio de los Alemanes A church built between 1624 and 1633, summing up the Baroque spirit of the time. The walls are covered with paintings depicting several passages from the life of San Antonio Squares, Gates and Avenues - Plaza Mayor Practically every town in Spain has one of these, and it is the centre of the town’s social life. In Madrid, the rectangular square begun in 1617, measures 120 metres by 90 metres. Its arcades house shops and restaurants - Puerta del Sol This gate symbolising the heart of the city is the point from which all Spain’s roads depart. Two symbols face one another: the plaque on the pavement indicating point zero and, on the other side of the avenue, the emblem of Madrid (a standing bear nibbling the fruit of an arbutus tree). - Puerta de Alcalá Built by Francisco Sabatini in 1769, this construction consisting of 5 arches and twelve columns, is one of Madrid’ s most charismatic and significant monuments. This gate was the ancient entrance to the city for the road from Aragon. It was commissioned by Charles III, who wished to give Madrid a worthy and grandiose entrance. - Paseo del Prado A truly grand avenue, where you can admire the paintings, sculptures and architecture exhibited in Spain’s three most important museums (Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen - Bornemisza and the National museum) Parque del Retiro Former Royal garden of over 100 ha, this is the city’s most important park in historic and artistic terms. Worth seeing: - Monument to the glory of Alfonso XII - Palacio de Velázquez, Moori sh in inspiration - Palacio de Cristal built on the occasion of the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Parque de la Montana Worth seeing: the Egyptian Temple of Debod, saved from immersion when the Aswan dam was built on the Nile. Real Jardin Botanico Commissioned by Charles III, this botanical garden contains over 30,000 species of plants and trees.		Madrid is surrounded by many towns rich in history, culture and artistic merit. Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez are listed as World Heritage sites. Alcala de Henares www.euro-red.com/alcala/index2.html An historic town (30 km west of Madrid) where there is an important university, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in the 15th century. The birthplace of Cervantes. Worth seeing: - San Bernardo Convent (1618) - Museum in the house where Cervantes was born - Cathedral (late 15th century) - Remains of the Roman town “Complutum” Chinchon www.ciudad-chinchon.com A small village 45 km east of Madrid, whose speciality is “Chinchon”, an aniseed flavoured spirit Worth seeing: - Plaza Mayor surrounded by two-storey houses. The square is used as an arena during bullfights. Aranjuez www.aranjuez.com Royal town 47 km south of Madrid Worth seeing: - Royal palace (1561): paintings, collections of watches, lamps, sculptures and porcelains - Gardens (with fountains and open air sculptures) and historic centre

Food & Drink				Festivals, Traditional customs
In the Mediterranean tradition, Spanish cooking is based on olive oil and garlic. As Spain’s melting-pot, Madrid does not have a culinary tradition of its own. It welcomes all the regional specialities (paella, gazpacho, cochinillo, tapas...). Tapas To deal with problems of public order resulting from the consumption of wine in Spanish taverns, the king commanded that a slice of ham be placed on top of each jug of wine served, to stop people from drinking wine on an empty stomach. Today tapas are varied hors d’œuvre served with an aperitif. Main Courses Cocido madrileño stew speciality of Madrid based on chick peas and vegetables with beef, chicken and pork Callos (tripe) Sopas de ajo (garlic soup) Tortilla de patatas (potato omelette) Besugo al horno (baked sea bream) Dishes based on bacalao (salt cod). < /p> Desserts Tocino de cielo (rich caramel flan) Turrones almond nougat eaten especially at Christmas Churros (very popular deep-fried batter twists) Torrijas (French toast) served in the spring and in Semana Santa (Holy Week) Bartolillos con crema (cream pastries) Buñuelos (November doughnuts) Rosquillas de anis (small cakes flavoured with aniseed) Cheeses Served only as an aperitif Among the most well-known: Cabrales, Mahón, Garrotxa, Manchego		Drinks Non-Alcoholic - Horchata: A typically Spanish drink based on the tubers of chufa (from the earth almond or tiger nut family). Alcoholic Drinks - Beer: The caña (a small glass of draught beer) is very popular with the people of Madrid. The most well-known brands in Spain are Estrella Damm, Aguila estilo Amstel, Mahou clásica, San Miguel 1516, Alhambra Pilsner, Damm Edel, Cruzcampo - Wine: The true drink of Spain is wine. The most important regional names are Rioja, Navarra, Ribera del Duero, La Mancha-Valdepeñas, Utiel-Requena, Penedes, wines of Madrid, Manzanilla de San Lúcar de Barrameda, wines of Murcia, Toro and Torres - Sangría		January: Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Magi), with processions in honour of St. Sebastian and St. Paul. 17 January: Fiesta de San Antón, protector and friend of animals, whose church stands on Calle Hortaleza. The people of Madrid bring their animals to be blessed and protected. February: Carnival and burial of the Sardine. A week of processions. March - April: Semana Santa processions. 2 May: Festival of the Autonomous Community commemorating the popular uprising of 1808 against the Napoleonic occupation (musical, sporting and cultural activities) 15 May: Fiesta de San Isidro, patron saint of Madrid. Music performances, exhibitions, fireworks and a month of bullfights in the bullrings of Las Ventas. 13 June: Fiesta de San Antonio de la Florida. Young girls ask the Saint for a fiancé. According to tradition, you have to place 13 needles into the baptismal fonts and wait for the saint to act. 15 August: Festival of Saints Cayetano, Lorenzo and Paloma. Processions, popular dances and street concerts in Vistillas park and the surrounding area. Mid-September to mid-November: Autumn Festival 31 December: celebration of the new year as the bells of the Puerta del Sol ring out. The people of Madrid eat one grape with each toll of the bell, to bring h appiness.

Things to Do

Hotels

Restaurants

Prado Museum
http://museoprado.mcu.es

This is one of the most important art galleries in the world housed in an 18th century building. The museum has the largest collection of Spanish painting, built up by the Spanish monarchs from Charles V on. Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán, Ribera, Ribalta, Titian, Rafael, Botticelli, Rubens, Bosch, Watteau, Rembrandt and Dürer are exhibited in its galleries.

Thyssen- Bornemisza Museum
www.museothyssen.org/conflash.asp

This museum contains classical Flemish to contemporary avant-garde works of art. Over 800 paintings, sculptures, carpets and other objets d’art are housed there.

Reina Sofia National Museum of Modern Art
http://museoreinasofia.mcu.es

With its permanent collection of contemporary Spanish art, the Museum, opened in 1986 by Queen Sofía in a former hospital, offers a sample of the most diverse art forms of the 20th century: painting, sculpture, video , photography, film, etc. Notably, it houses Picasso’s famous painting Guernica (painted in 1937) but also masterpieces by Juan Gris, Salvador Dalí and the sculpture of The Great Prophet by Pablo Gargallo.

Palacio Real
www.patrimonionacional.es/preal/preal.htm

Madrid’s royal palace stands on the site of an alcázar (Moorish fortress) destroyed by fire in 1734. It was Philip V who commissioned the new building. It took 26 years to build. This palace was used as a royal residence until 1931, the year of the abdication of Alfonso XIII. In it you can see splendid rooms: dining room, throne room, billiard room, the apartments of Charles III and Charles IV

HOTEL VILLA REAL 5*
Plaza de las Cortes, 10
Tel : +34 91 420 37 67
www.derbyhotels.com
When staying at the Hotel Villa Real, you will find yourself in a unique place, in the most elegant and iconic area of Madrid in the heart of the cultural, political, financial and business district. Wood panelling, aged marble floors, painted stucco, antique furniture and state-of-the-art infrastructure make up the appeal of this elegant five-star hotel with a warm, welcoming, discreet atmosphere.

HOTEL URBAN*****
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34
Tel : +34 91 787 7770 - Fax +34 91 787 7799
www.derbyhotels.com
Located in a new building in the heart of Madrid’s financial, political, shopping and cultural district, with an avant-garde architecture, the Hotel Urban will not leave you cold. The most cosmopolitan design and innovative ideas make the Hotel a fashionable meeting point amongst Madrid locals. Hotel offers an array of premium gastronomic and leisure options with its 3 restaurants and bars: Europa Decó, Glass Bar and La Terraza del Urban.

SOFITEL 4*
Plaza de España – Calle Tutor n°1
Tel : +34 91 541 98 80

HOTEL OPERA 3*
Cuesta De Santo Domingo 2
www.hotelopera.com

Located right in the heart of the historic quarter of Madrid, near the Palacio Real, the Opera House, the Puerta del Sol and the Rastro and Gran Vía. A special feature: restaurant service is prov ided by opera-singing waiters.

El Sobrino de Botín
Calle de los Cuchilleros –Tel. 91 366 42 17
Hemingway’s favourite restaurant serving lamb and suckling pig since 1735. Very good tapas.

Zalacaín
Calle Alvarez de Baena 4 – Tel. 91 561 48 40
Gastronomic restaurant offering braised duck, cream of asparagus with caviar and excellent wines.

Club 31 Restaurante
Alcala, 58 - Tel. 91 531 00 92
Madrid-style cuisine.

Asador Donostiarra
Calle Infanta Mercedes 79 – Tel.91 579 08 71
Gastronomic restaurant famous for its clientele of celebrities and showbiz and football stars (including the Real Madrid football team) offering Madrid-style cuisine (red meat, grilled sea bream…).

Taberna del Alabardero
C/ Felipe V, 4, 6 – Tel : 91 547 25 77
A typical and popular tavern located in front of the Palacio Real, close to the Opera Theatre. Basque cuisine.