The Orquesta CLM Sinfónica took centre stage on Friday night during the zarzuela week, presenting a concert titled 'Grand Choirs' at the local theatre. Under the direction of Francisco José Velasco Martínez, the orchestra showcased some of the most celebrated works from the realms of opera and zarzuela.
The programme featured compositions from illustrious composers including Rossini, Verdi, Wagner, Puccini, and Gounod, alongside prominent Spanish musicians such as Tomás Bretón, Amadeo Vives, Jacinto Guerrero, Federico Chueca, and the masters Soutullo and Vert.
Among the pieces performed were the overture from Il barbiere di Siviglia by Rossini, the 'Coro de gitanos' from Verdi's Il trovatore, and the 'Coro de esclavos' from Nabucco. Other highlights included the 'Coro de las campanas' from I pagliacci, the 'Coro de peregrinos' from Tannhäuser, the intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, and the 'Coro de soldados' from Faust.
The repertoire also embraced Spanish music, featuring the 'Canción del sembrador' from La rosa del azafrán, the 'Coro de barquilleros' from Agua, azucarillos y aguardiente, and the zambra from La leyenda del beso.
The Orquesta CLM Sinfónica comprises professional musicians from various regions of Castilla-La Mancha and has established itself as a prominent ensemble in the regional music scene. In 2026, the orchestra was awarded the Placa al Mérito Regional by the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha in recognition of its achievements. Their participation in this week added a musical dimension to the festival's programme, which blends traditional performances with concerts and activities aimed at diverse audiences.
