On the occasion of the 225th anniversary of the Principal Theatre, the city of Zaragoza will host an exceptional concert this Friday, May 30, at 8:00 PM inside the Basilica del Pilar, featuring the Principal Orchestra of Teatro Real, under the baton of maestro Pedro Halffter. This will be the first time this prestigious ensemble has performed in the Zaragoza temple, marking a milestone in the cultural history of the city.
The event has been organized by the City Council of Zaragoza in collaboration with the Metropolitan Chapter, Ibercaja as the main sponsor, and the Teatro Real de Madrid as an institutional partner, within the framework of the collaboration agreement signed in 2024, lasting four seasons. This initiative is part of the cultural policy promoted by Mayor Natalia Chueca, aimed at bringing first-class artistic proposals closer to all citizens.
Admission to the concert will be free with an invitation, which can be collected this Thursday, May 29 at the Tourist Office on Calle Santiago, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a maximum of two tickets per person while supplies last. Attendees with an invitation will access the basilica through the High Gate starting at 7:00 PM. The rest of the public can follow the concert from the Plaza del Pilar, where a giant screen and 2,500 seats will be set up, also free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
The musical program will consist of three works by Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which share a strong connection with sacred music and the liturgy of the 18th century: Haydn’s Symphony No. 26 in D minor «Lamentatione», the motet Exsultate, jubilate, and Mozart’s Mass in C Major K. 317 «Coronation Mass». The repertoire not only coincides temporally with the founding of the Principal Theatre but also with the last major renovation of the basilica itself, reinforcing the symbolic nature of the event.
The performance will feature prominent international soloists: Ruth Iniesta (soprano), awarded this year with the City of Zaragoza Cultural Merit Award in the Performing Arts category; Lucía Caihuela (mezzo-soprano), specialized in historical interpretation; David Alegret (tenor), recognized for his repertoire of Mozart and Rossini; and Manuel Fuentes (bass), one of the most promising young voices in the national operatic scene. They will be accompanied by the Coro Amici Musicae, the resident choir of the Zaragoza Auditorium, directed by Igor Tantos.
The concert represents a moment of particular significance not only for its exceptionally high artistic level but also for its historical meaning. The coincidence of the anniversary with a musical proposal that pays homage to the roots of theatre, sacred music, and European tradition reinforces the role of the Principal Theatre as a cultural institution of reference in Aragon. Furthermore, it underscores the fruitful collaboration between public and private entities, which has made it possible to host an open, accessible, and highly impactful celebration.
Since its inauguration in 1799, the Principal Theatre has been a pillar of the scenic life of Zaragoza. This anniversary not only commemorates its longevity but also its ability to continue reinventing itself, as evidenced by this partnership with the Teatro Real, regarded as one of the best opera houses in the world and honored with the International Opera Award in 2019.
Thus, the citizens of Zaragoza will witness a unique evening in one of the city’s most emblematic spaces, in an event that combines artistic excellence, institutional openness, and the commitment to projecting Zaragoza as a leading cultural reference.
