The operatic genre known as zarzuela originated in Spain during the Baroque period (1630-1750), underwent a renaissance in the Romantic Era (1850-1950), and made its way to the Americas, where individual, Spanish-speaking countries developed their own versions. Solo vocal music is accompanied by choral & orchestral settings that alternate with dialogue. Zarzuela also incorporates folk tales and dance into a most enjoyable art form that especially resonates with audiences here in New Mexico

Our Season Finale Operetta program features scenes from La Verbena de la Paloma, Luisa Fernanda, Marina, El Guitarrico, El Barbarillo de Lavapiés, Don Gil de Alcalá, La Taberna del Puerto, Diamantes de la Corona, El Trust de los Tenorios, La del Manojo de Rosas, Katiuska, La Dolorosa, and Cecilia Valdéz. Composers include Tomás Bretón, Federico Moreno de Torroba, Emilio Arrieta, Augustin Pérez Soriano, Francisco Asenjo Barbieri, Manuel Penella Moreno, Pablo Zorozábal, José Serrano Simeón, and Cuban composer Gonzalo Roig.