Teatro de la Zarzuela facts for kids
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Main façade of the Teatro de la Zarzuela
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
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| Coordinates | 40°25′02″N 3°41′48″W / 40.417185°N 3.696782°W |
| Capacity | 1,242 seats |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 10 October 1856 |
| Reopened | 1914 |
| Rebuilt | 1910–1913 |
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| Type: | Non-movable |
| Criteria: | Monument |
| Designated: | 4 March 1994 |
| Reference #: | RI-51-0008693 |
The Teatro de la Zarzuela is a famous theater located in Madrid, Spain. It is mostly known for showing zarzuela, which is a special type of Spanish musical play. The theater also hosts operettas (lighter musical shows) and music concerts.
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The Story of Teatro de la Zarzuela
This beautiful theater was designed by an architect named Jerónimo de la Gándara. It was built by José María Sánchez Guallart. The idea for the theater came from a group called the Spanish Lyrical Company. They wanted a special place in Madrid to perform operettas.
The design of the Teatro de la Zarzuela was inspired by the famous La Scala theater in Milan, Italy. It has a horseshoe shape with three levels of seating. The theater first opened its doors on October 10, 1856. This date was also the birthday of Queen Isabella II.
The name "Zarzuela" comes from a type of play that mixes spoken parts with sung songs. Many important musicians and writers helped start the theater. These included Francisco Asenjo Barbieri, Joaquín Gaztambide, and Luis de Olona.
A Leading Theater in Madrid
During the second half of the 1800s, the Teatro de la Zarzuela became the most important place for zarzuela shows in Madrid. Many great works of this musical style were performed there.
However, on November 9, 1909, a fire badly damaged the building. It was almost completely destroyed. The theater was rebuilt by Cesareo Iradier. He used less wood and metal to make it safer. In 1914, Maestro Pablo Luna reopened the theater with his orchestra.
For many years, from 1925 to 1997, the Teatro Real opera house was closed. During this time, the Teatro de la Zarzuela was Madrid's main theater for big opera events. The theater's own music group is called the Community of Madrid Orchestra.
Changes and Restoration
The theater's ceiling once had amazing paintings by Francisco Hernández Tomé and Manuel Castellanos. Sadly, these were lost during changes and repairs made in 1956. The theater was then bought by a group called the Sociedad General de Autores. Many of the original decorations on the outside and inside were removed. Later, the Spanish government took ownership of the theater.
In 1984, the Ministry of Culture decided to expand what the theater offered. Since Madrid still didn't have a main opera house, the theater started hosting more than just zarzuela and opera. It also began to feature flamenco and other dance performances.
In 1994, the building was given a special "heritage status." This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected. In 1998, the theater was remodeled again. This time, many of its original features and its shape were brought back.
In 1998, the theater put on a very popular show of Federico Chueca's zarzuela La Gran Vía.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro de la Zarzuela para niños
- Community of Madrid Orchestra
- Zarzuela
- Spanish National Dance Company
- Ballet Nacional de España
- Teatro Real
