Ainadamar the new Grammy-winning opera by Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov brings Lorca’s life and legacy to vivid life, dramatizing the poet’s assassination under Franco’s Spain for his political beliefs and sexual identity. Through the memories of Lorca’s muse, Catalan actress Margarita Xirgú, sopranos Angel Blue and Gabriella Reyes bring Margarita’s complex emotions to life. Soprano Elena Villalón portrays Margarita’s student, Nuria, who absorbs her mentor’s painful reflections on Lorca’s execution. Mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack delivers an interesting performance as Lorca himself in a dreamlike role. Flamenco singer Alfredo Tejada’s portrayal of Ramón Ruiz Alonso, the Falangist who orchestrated Lorca’s murder, adds an intense, chilling edge with his powerful voice.
In Ainadamar, in addition to the music, the flamenco dancers exhibit a remarkable talent, showcasing flamenco’s profound ability to convey raw emotion and depth. Their versatility adds an extraordinary layer to the opera, highlighting how flamenco can embody themes of sorrow, resistance, and joy. The set design, reminiscent of a Spanish mantilla‘s fringe, masterfully transports the audience through Federico García Lorca’s tragic story, blurring the lines between past and the present with narrator Margarita Xirgú.
Hearing the opera in Spanish with the haunting tones of flamenco singing, and the percussion of the palmas is an unforgettable experience that enhances its authenticity and emotional resonance. Produced and choreographed by Brazilian artist Deborah Colker, known for her Cirque du Soleil work, and with the special participation of the Spanish flamenco choreographer Antonio Najarro, the production pulses with the vitality and tension of flamenco and rumba, at the same time mirroring the atmosphere of Spain’s Civil War. Under Miguel Harth-Bedoya’s conducting debut at the Met, Ainadamar captivates with a rich, rhythm-driven score and emotional power.
