As with many European capitals, Madrid's first operatic production took place at court. Between 1629 and 1700, native compositions were performed in the Royal Palace Theatre. Subsequently Italian opera became more fashionable, only to be suppressed fifty years later on the grounds that it was undignified.
A hundred years after that, the Teatro Real was opened with an Italian company, although many native works premièred there before a period of closure commencing in 1925. Since then, this magnificent 2,404 seater theatre has had a chequered history. After the second World War it did not re-open as an opera theatre until 1966. Limited seasons were then staged through till 1988, when the theatre was closed for restoration. It is due to re-open in 1996. The opera company meanwhile has been staging regular seasons, including many contemporary works, in Madrid’s Zarzuela Theatre.
Spain also boasts a superb opera house in Barcelona, currently out of use after a tragic fire devastated the building in 1992. The Maestranza Theatre in Seville is a modern opera house. Built in 1991 it has proved highly successful architecturally and acoustically.
