The Municipal Theatre of Almagro recently showcased a harmonious blend of music and poetry, bringing to life the rich literary and musical traditions of Spanish zarzuela. This event marked the third day of the 40th Spanish Poetry Encounter, organised by the Diputación de Ciudad Real.
Under the direction of Germán Huertas del Castillo, the Almagro Music Band took centre stage, presenting a selection of some of the most representative compositions from the zarzuela genre, which intricately weaves together words and melody. Titled ¿Qué nos canta la zarzuela?, the performance featured soprano Luz Gutiérrez and local tenor Ángel Luz Martín, who joined the instrumental ensemble to illustrate how poetry finds its expression in Spanish stage music.
This innovative approach added a new dimension to the programming of this milestone edition, allowing attendees to explore the musicality of the texts and the emotional depth conveyed through song. The repertoire spanned various periods of Spanish lyrical tradition, with a particular focus on works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of remarkable vitality for zarzuela.
During this era, music and literature often complemented each other, with lyrics crafted to meet the rhythmic and expressive demands of the scores, resulting in songs that are now integral to Spain's cultural heritage. Notable pieces performed included La canción andaluza, La africana, and El sembrador, showcasing the thematic and stylistic diversity of a repertoire that traverses a range of settings, characters, and emotions.
The participation of the Almagro Music Band was a distinctive feature of this year's Poetry Encounter, as it involved a local ensemble with deep ties to the cultural event that has been held in the town for decades. Germán Huertas expressed the musicians' pride in being part of a programme that celebrates its 40th anniversary and embraces a different artistic proposal.
The presence of local performers at such a significant cultural event has strengthened the connection between the Encounter and the city, as well as its musical and associative fabric. This opportunity allowed the band to showcase their work to an audience that has benefited from the poetic creations presented over the past four decades.
With this third day, the Diputación de Ciudad Real has broadened the artistic languages represented at the Encounter, highlighting the potential for dialogue between various cultural expressions. The combination of instrumental music, vocal performance, and literary texts provided a fresh perspective on poetry, reaffirming its relevance in popular genres that have shaped Spain's cultural history.
The 40th Spanish Poetry Encounter will continue on Friday, 23 October, at 20:30, with a performance by cantaor Gregorio Moya from Argamasilla de Alba, who will present La poesía del flamenco. Winner of the prestigious Lámpara Minera at the 2025 International Cante de las Minas Festival, Moya's performance will delve into the close relationship between flamenco and poetic expression, showcasing the artistic talent of Ciudad Real province.
The programme will conclude on Saturday, 24 October, also at 20:30, with an acoustic concert by Anni B Sweet, whose contemporary musical approach will provide a fitting finale to this special edition. This performance will cap off five days during which words, music, and various forms of artistic expression have shared the spotlight in a celebration of four decades of commitment to poetry and culture in Almagro.
