Auditorio de Tenerife to Premiere Contemporary Production of Bluebeard’s Castle

The Auditorio de Tenerife will host the premiere of a new production of Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Ópera de Tenerife, this contemporary take on the classic score moves away from tradition to offer a fresh perspective.

Directed by Pedro Chamizo, the production is designed as a deep dive into the human psyche. The set, created by Víctor Longás, uses audiovisual elements to turn the stage into a metaphor for trauma and the search for identity. This modern approach highlights why Bartók’s complex work remains a significant challenge for opera houses across Europe.

Jordi Francés will conduct the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, with baritone José Antonio López starring as Bluebeard and mezzo-soprano Deirdre Angenent as Judith. They are joined by narrator Celeste González and actresses Ylenia de Luis, Adriana Cortés, and Sobeida Gómez. The creative team also includes costume designers Pier Paolo Alvaro and Roger Portal, alongside a lighting design that reflects Chamizo’s signature visual style.

Supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Canary Islands Institute of Cultural Development, and the INAEM, this production aims to strengthen the island’s opera scene by blending musical excellence with modern storytelling.

Tickets are priced at 20 euros and can be purchased on the Auditorium’s website, by calling 902 317 327, or at the box office. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Discounts are available for students, those under 30, large families, and the unemployed.