“Ainadamar” Opera Makes Met Opera Debut in New York, Bringing Flamenco and Rumba to the Stage

A new opera, “Ainadamar”, is set to make its debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, bringing to the stage the story of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, whose life was cut short by fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. The opera, which premiered in 2003, is a unique blend of flamenco and rumba rhythms, traditional opera, and electronic sounds, set against the backdrop of war and violence.

The story follows the relationship between Lorca and his muse and friend, Margarita Xirgu, a Catalonian actor and director, as told through dream-like flashbacks. The plot hinges on Xirgu’s memories, and the opera opens with Xirgu, Lorca’s protégée, who has spent her career portraying Mariana Pineda in the poet’s play of the same name. Her stories have surreal qualities similar to Lorca’s verse, detailing the poet’s opposition to the Falange and his 1936 murder over his socialist politics and homosexuality.

Led by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov, the opera features a talented cast, including mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack as Lorca and soprano Angel Blue as Xirgu. The production is directed by Brazilian choreographer Deborah Colker, known for her work with Cirque du Soleil, and marks the second Spanish-language opera to be staged at the Met in a row, following last year’s “Florencia en el Amazonas”.

The production has been praised for its innovative blend of traditional opera with electronic sounds and rhythms, and its use of dance to tell the story. Mack, who has played Lorca in 2022, noted that the work presents a challenge because “there are many elements that are not necessarily present in a more traditional opera”. Colker believes that her work “sounds like it belongs at the Met and can sit at the table with the greats”.

The Met continues to draw in new audiences and broaden its base with productions like “Ainadamar”, as seen with the success of operas by living composers such as “The Hours” and “Fire Shut Up In My Bones”. The company premiered this year’s season with “Grounded”, an exploration of contemporary warfare and technology set against the backdrop of motherhood.

“Ainadamar” is a thrilling new production that showcases the Met’s commitment to innovative storytelling and its ability to bring together diverse artistic talents to create something truly unique. Don’t miss this chance to experience the passionate and emotional journey of “Ainadamar” at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.