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Gran Teatro Alicia Alonso Reappears in Havana
29December
News

Gran Teatro Alicia Alonso Reappears in Havana

Havana.- After three years of restoration, those walking by the Cuban capital today can see with joy the facade of the Gran Teatro de La Habana, previously hidden behind the protection walls of the constructive works. With the new name of Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, this imposing building of eclectic style will reopen on January 1 next year with a show by the Cuban National Ballet.

 

The function, in the room in Federico García Lorca, entitled Classic Triptych, is devoted to the 57th anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.

 

In three acts, the performance will gather moments from Giselle, Swan Lake and Coppelia, and will be accompanied by the Orchestra of the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, conducted by Giovanny Duarte. Also, on January 3, the same program will be offered.

 

Currently, this theater is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Latin America: it was inaugurated on April 15, 1838 as Gran Teatro Tacón. It was initially built to host the Galician Center of Havana.

 

Its main room, called Federico García Lorca, has a 1,500 thousand people capacity and hosts the Cuban National Ballet since 1965, in addition to the opera season of the LyricTheater.

 

The building has smaller spaces like the Lecuona Hall and Café Adagio, where chamber music concerts are offered.

 

Since its foundation, its stage has seen the passing of world renowned artists such as dancers Fanny Elssler and Anna Pavlova, actresses Sara Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse, singers Enrico Caruso and Titta Rufo, and the great French mime Marcel Marceau.

 

In addition, also did it music personalities as pianists Sergei Rachmaninov, Arthur Rubinstein and Daniel Barenboim; cellist Pablo Casals, the violinist Jascha Heifetz and guitarist Andrés Segovia.

 

Cuban Ignacio Cervantes, José White, Ernesto Lecuona, Alicia Alonso and Rita Montaner are other figures who have performed there.

 

Since 1960, the Gran Teatro is the headquarters of the International Ballet Festival of Havana, one of the most renowned dance events of this continent.

 

Source: PL