The Madrid-based Teatro de la Zarzuela's production can be enjoyed in the Symphony Hall in three consecutive performances
Ópera de Tenerife concludes its 2025–2026 season with three performances of Tomás Bretón’s La verbena de la Paloma. The production, originally from Madrid’s Teatro de la Zarzuela, can be enjoyed in the Symphony Hall of the Auditorio de Tenerife next week at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27. The evening is presented as a double bill, with the celebrated zarzuela preceded by the short lyrical work Adiós, Apolo by Álvaro Tato. The piece offers a humorous reimagining of the final rehearsal of La verbena de la Paloma on the day of its premiere, coinciding with the permanent closure of Madrid’s iconic Teatro Apolo in 1929.
Adiós, Apolo is conceived by Nuria Castejón, who also directs and choreographs the production. Following a lifelong connection to zarzuela, she offers a tribute to the Teatro Apolo company, her family and the many artists who have shaped the genre. The artistic team also includes set designer Nicolás Boni, lighting designer Albert Faura and costume designer Gabriela Salaverri.
This celebrated zarzuela—featuring the famous habanera “¿Dónde vas con mantón de Manila? ” (Where Are You Going with Your Manila Shawl?)—presents a humorous portrait of 19th-century Madrid. Ricardo de la Vega’s libretto, subtitled El boticario y las chulapas y celos mal reprimidos (The Apothecary and the Chulapas and Ill‑Repressed Jealousy), weaves together a range of comic situations involving endearing characters, including Don Hilarión and Don Sebastián, Julián and Susana, Casta, the night watchman and the tavern keeper.
The Sinfónica de Tenerife orchestra will be conducted by Víctor Pablo Pérez, with Miguel Ángel Arqued leading the Main Choir Ópera de Tenerife-Intermezzo. The cast is headed by tenors Antonio Comas and Gerardo López, baritone César San Martín, and sopranos Amparo Navarro, Carmen Romeu, Lara Sagastizabal and Gurutze Beitia.
The line-up is completed by tenors Rafa Castejón and Críspulo Cabezas, actress Ana Goya, actor Ricardo Reguera, singers Ariel Carmona, Adrián Quiñones, Albert Díaz and Mitxel Santamarina, and cantaora Sara Salado. Soprano Aida Briceño and tenor Jorge Wigberto Cordero will join the chorus to sing, and Borja Mariño will perform as the pianist on stage.
The Island Council continues to offer the shuttle service ‘Lanzadera Ópera’, with two TITSA public buses providing free transport for spectators from Adeje and Buenavista to the Auditorio de Tenerife for every performance in the Ópera de Tenerife subscription series. The free bus tickets can be obtained at www.operadetenerife.com until 12 noon the day before the show.
Tickets can be purchased at a single price of €30 on the website www.auditoriodetenerife.com, at the auditorium’s box office, or by dialling 902 317 327 from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the special discounts for audience under 30, students, unemployed people, and large families.
Ópera de Tenerife is an initiative organised by the Island Council through the Auditorio de Tenerife with the sponsorship of the ICDC (Regional Institute of Cultural Development) and the INAEM (National Institute of Performing Arts and Music).