Zarzuela Viva bridges Spain and PH through culture and music

In a powerful celebration of shared history and cultural diplomacy, Instituto Cervantes, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), is set to host Zarzuela Viva, a month-long program dedicated to reviving the rich tradition of the zarzuela—one of the most influential art forms in Philippine theatre.

Running from August 1 to 28, this cultural event will showcase:

Weekly Screenings of Spanish Masterpieces

Tiempo de Zarzuela (Aug 1)
La del manojo de rosas (Aug 7)
El barberillo de Lavapiés (Aug 14)
El sobre verde (Aug 28) at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros and UST.

4-Day Zarzuela Workshop (Aug 18–22)— Conducted by Spanish pianist Ramón Grau from Teatro de La Zarzuela in Madrid, designed for advanced music students at UST’s Conservatory of Music.

Zarzuela-Sarswela Concert (Aug 26) — A unique recital blending Spanish zarzuela with the Filipino sarswela tradition, to be held at UST’s Education Auditorium.

“Zarzuela is not only a Spanish art form—it is part of the cultural DNA of the Philippines,” said a spokesperson from Instituto Cervantes. “Through this program, we aim to revive its legacy and inspire a new generation to rediscover its beauty.”

Zarzuela Viva is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID, Teatro de La Zarzuela, the UST Conservatory of Music, and the Intramuros Administration.

For more information, visit https://www.manila.cervantes.es or follow https://www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.