On the 15th of August, the traditional festival in honour of the Virgen de la Paloma is held in Madrid, near the Church in honour of the virgin. In 1893 the impresarios of the Teatro Apolo decided to add music to this festival and commissioned it initially from the master Chapí, who rejected the offer due to the bad relations he held at the time with the managers of that theatre. The commission finally went to the young Salamanca musician Tomás Bretón, who, not having composed music for zarzuela before, was not convinced it would be a success. Astonishingly, he wrote this marvellous score in only 19 days. It is considered by the critics as the masterpiece of what is known as the género chico (literally, small genre; the Spanish operetta).

At the centre of the plot is a love story between the honest printer Julián and the chulapa Susana. Susana and her sister Casta, who live with their aunt Antonia, flirt with the chemist Don Hilarión, a dirty old man who builds up his hopes without realizing that the sisters only do it as a laugh. This game arouses jealousy in Julián, always assisted by the maternal and advisor “Seña” Rita. After an eventful festival, the old man is mocked and the love of the young couple prevails. The typical Madrid of the time is portrayed in masterful scenes.

Teatro Lírico Andaluz was formed a decade ago in Málaga with the clear aim of promoting lyrical productions in Andalusia, taking advantage of the artistic talent of Andalusian artists. It is considered one of the five best theatre companies in Spain, as regards artistic quality. It works with more than eighty artists in each production, including musicians, singers, actors, chorus members,  set designers and technical staff, it being one of the few companies that does its own set design, props and costumes.

www.teatroliricoandaluz.com