The Ministry of Culture and Youth, through the National Lyric Company, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and with the collaboration of the Costa Rican Art Museum, proudly presents the new initiative “Lyrical Tuesdays”, a culturally significant program aimed at strengthening and promoting opera in the country, attracting new audiences, and making access more affordable with highly accessible prices.
The opening event will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m., featuring the opera Otello by Verdi, and the program will run until October 14. The schedule includes 16 events, combining opera screenings from the Teatro Real of Spain with live lyrical concerts, hosted at both the National Theater of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Art Museum.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth, stated: “As a result of my recent visit to Spain, we reached an agreement with the Teatro Real to collaborate on initiatives and attract new audiences. This is a new project to bring opera closer to the people. It allows audiences to experience opera at a very affordable price, in one of the country’s most important concert halls—the National Theater of Costa Rica. Additionally, it enables us to enjoy screenings from the Teatro Real and performances by the National Lyric Company. We aim to engage young audiences and invite them to appreciate one of the most fascinating creative processes.”
“‘Lyrical Tuesdays’ was created with the goal of making opera and vocal music accessible to everyone, from children to experienced enthusiasts, through a variety of formats showcasing the beauty of the human voice. Spectators will experience film screenings of outstanding opera productions from the Teatro Real de Madrid, as well as vocal and piano recitals featuring renowned national and international artists. These events will present the richness of concert songs from around the world, offering both an educational and delightful experience for a diverse audience”, said Calio Alonso, Artistic Director of the National Lyric Company.
Guillermo Madriz, General Director of the National Theater, added: “This project serves as a vital platform for promoting opera, zarzuela, and other lyrical genres, providing Costa Rican audiences the opportunity to enjoy live recitals and exclusive screenings of productions from the Teatro Real de Madrid, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. ‘Lyrical Tuesdays’ will become a key pillar in promoting vocal music and fostering a passionate audience for lyrical arts, reaffirming the National Theater’s commitment to the dissemination of art and culture in our country. We invite the entire community to join us every Tuesday, where opera, zarzuela, and concert songs will come to life on a vibrant stage.”
Schedule
On March 11 at 6:00 p.m., Otello by Giuseppe Verdi will be screened. This production by the Teatro Real de Madrid was recognized as the “Best Opera House in the World” in 2021.
With a libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Othello, the Moor of Venice (1603) by William Shakespeare, this is a new production by the Teatro Real, in co-production with English National Opera and Kungliga Operan of Stockholm, featuring the Teatro Real’s Chorus and Orchestra and the Pequeños Cantores of the Madrid Community. Renato Palumbo serves as the musical director, while David Alden is the stage director. The cast includes Gregory Kunde as Otello, George Petean as Iago, Vicenç Esteve as Roderigo, and Fernando Radó as Ludovico.
Starting in April, the recital series will be added to the screenings. Below is the full schedule:
| Date & Time | Artistic Proposal | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 11, 6 p.m. | Otello, G. Verdi | Opera screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, April 1, 6 p.m. | English Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | Golden Hall, Costa Rican Art Museum |
| Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m. | Così fan tutte, W.A. Mozart | Opera screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, May 6, 6 p.m. | Costa Rican Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | National Theater (Foyer) |
| Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. | A Midsummer Night’s Dream, W. Shakespeare | Children’s Screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, June 3, 6 p.m. | Italian Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | National Theater (Foyer) |
| Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. | El amor brujo, M. de Falla | Dance Screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, July 1, 6 p.m. | Turandot, G. Puccini | Opera screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, July 8, 6 p.m. | Spanish Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | Golden Hall, Costa Rican Art Museum |
| Tuesday, August 5, 6 p.m. | Latin American Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | National Theater (Foyer) |
| Tuesday, August 12, 6 p.m. | I Puritani, V. Bellini | Opera screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, September 2, 6 p.m. | Russian Song | Vocal & Piano Recital | National Theater (Foyer) |
| Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. | Ma mère l’Oye, M. Ravel | Children’s Screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m. | German Lied | Vocal & Piano Recital | National Theater (Foyer) |
| Tuesday, October 14, 6 p.m. | Luisa Fernanda, F. Moreno Torroba | Zarzuela screening (Teatro Real) | National Theater (Main Hall) |
| Tuesday, November 4, 6 p.m. | French Chanson | Vocal & Piano Recital | Golden Hall, Costa Rican Art Museum |
Schedule subject to change.
The recitals will feature collaborations with embassies, including support from the Embassy of Spain and its Cultural Center, featuring artists such as Héctor Eliel Márquez (piano), Andrea Rey (mezzo-soprano), Ramón Grau (piano), and Borja Quiza (baritone).
Ticket Information
- General admission for National Theater events: ₡2,000 colones
- Students & seniors with ID: ₡1,000 colones
- Tickets available at the National Theater’s box office and online at https://boleteria.teatronacional.go.cr/
- Recitals at the Costa Rican Art Museum: Free admission (limited seating).
