La Solana has officially opened the 43rd national zarzuela week at the Tomás Barrera Theatre, marking a significant cultural event that has been celebrated since 1984. The inaugural gala included a ceremonial opening speech, the presentation of traditional awards, and a unique performance titled Del chotis al jazz, which paid homage to the renowned composer Francisco Alonso.
The opening speech was delivered by Luis Santana, who expressed pride in the community's achievement. “In La Solana, you should be very proud of what you have accomplished,” Santana stated, encapsulating the sentiments of those who contribute to this long-standing lyrical festival. He described it as “almost a miracle” that a town with a population of just over 15,000 maintains such a celebration and urged locals to protect their cultural legacy. He also called on future generations to preserve this “jewel” of Spanish culture.
Emotions ran high during the gala, particularly for Amelia Font and Rosa Valenty, who received the titles of Ama Mayor and Rosa de Azafrán de Oro, respectively. A visibly moved Font remarked, “I get goosebumps,” as she expressed gratitude for the recognition of her career and reflected on her personal connections to La Solana, where she would visit her mother, Dolores Marco, who conducted the Spanish Lyrical Company in the 1980s. “Coming to La Solana feels like being with family,” she summarised.
Rosa Valenty also expressed her appreciation for the award, describing it as particularly meaningful. “The people giving it to me are great,” she said, highlighting her love for zarzuela and the emotional significance of the recognition at this point in her life.
Baritone Lorenzo Moncloa, who received the title of Juan Pedro Mayor, emphasised the need to continue raising awareness of zarzuela and ensuring its sustainability. “Zarzuela is becoming more visible, which is the goal,” he affirmed, advocating for the genre as an integral part of Spain's cultural heritage.
The Sembrador award was presented to Nemesio de Lara, a former mayor of La Solana and president of the Provincial Council, who spoke about the pride of belonging to the community and the financial support the event received during his political tenure.
Luis Romero de Ávila, president of the ACAZ (Association of Friends of Zarzuela), highlighted the organisation's commitment to introducing new elements with each edition, mentioning Las Leandras as one of the programme's attractions. Sonia González, vice president of the Ciudad Real Provincial Council, described the week as “an unmissable event” and noted its growth over the years. Carmen Teresa Olmedo, delegate of the Junta in Ciudad Real, acknowledged the efforts made over 43 years by successive boards and association members.
The mayor, Luisa Márquez, concluded the speeches by affirming the importance of zarzuela in conveying the identity of La Solana to future generations. “Our history can be told in many ways,” she said, but succinctly captured the connection between the town and its lyrical tradition with the phrase, “La Solana is told through song.”
Following the awards, the artistic highlight of the evening, Del chotis al jazz, took the audience on a journey through zarzuela in Madrid, led by an adventurous tour guide character played by actor-singer Jose González. The performance began at the Teatro Pavón, where Las Leandras premiered on 12 November 1931. This fresh and lively production revisited some of Alonso's most popular compositions, featuring excerpts from Las Leandras, La calesera, and La parranda. The performance included the Getafe Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, the ACAZ Choir, Oretania, and the ACAZ Ballet.
This year's zarzuela week will continue until 25 October, showcasing that zarzuela is not merely a relic of the past, but a vibrant culture that evolves while remaining rooted in its traditions.
