Antología de la Zarzuela: Music from Spain

An evening of musical treasures from Spain with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra (PASO).

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington Chamber Chorus join forces to bring you a sensational show of zarzuela favorites, Antologia de la Zarzuela (Zarzuela Anthology), and other musical treasures from Spain.

Zarzuelas, light operas from Spain featuring duets, trios, and lyrical solos called romanzas, and works by Manuel de Falla and Isaac Albeniz, offer a panorama of the best of Spain’s musical heritage –from the early classical period to the 20th century.

Zarzuela is Spain’s equivalent of the Viennese operetta, with serious or comic plots that are usually nationalistic in theme. But unlike the Austrian operettas where the protagonists are usually aristocrats, zarzuelas depict everyday people with stories rooted in the politics of their times.

Zarzuelas had their heyday in Spain at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, and Antologia de la Zarzuela offers a varied selection of songs from the most well-known zarzuela composers of this Golden Age, such as Joaquin Breton, Ruperto Chapi, Federico Moreno Torroba, Manuel de Falla, and others.

With the Pan American Symphony Orchestra, a chamber choir, four vocal soloists, and a flamenco dancer, this show promises a spectacular array of the big moments from the best of Spain’s zarzuelas. Joining the orchestra is tenor, Mauricio Miranda, baritone Gustavo Ahualli, mezzo-soprano Anamer Castrello, and the Choral Arts Society’s Chamber Chorus.

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra (PASO) was founded 25 years ago by dynamic Argentine conductor and musician, Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, with the objective of bringing Latin American and Spanish symphonic music to Washington, D.C. concert halls. Over the years, PASO has featured rarely performed works by composers from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil. PASO has performed zarzuelas from Spain and Cuba and Spanish operas, such as La Vida Breve and Goyescas.