Main Theatre, Valencia

The Principal theatre of Valencia was the first theatre built in the city as we conceive of theatre today.

Located at Carrer de les Barques, no. 15, in the Ciutat Vella district, it was originally designed by the Italian architect Filippo Fontana in 1774, but the original plans were later modified. Its construction did not begin until years later, and although it was inaugurated in 1832, the work was not completely finished until 1854. The interior was initially decorated in the purest rococo style.

As an artistic event, the Valencian press announced the performance of the Ballets Russes "from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the Real in Madrid, the Liceo in Barcelona, the Grand Opera in Paris and the San Carlo in Lisbon, directed by Mr. Sergei Diaghilev", for the 25th, 27th, 28th and 30th of April 1918.

Among the opera premieres held at the Teatro Principal, the following stand out: El gato montés by maestro Manuel Penella, on 23rd February 1916; La Venta de los Gatos, posthumous opera by maestro José Serrano, on 24th April 1943; and El triomf de Tirant by maestro Amand Blanquer, on 7th October 1992.

On March 16, 1969, it hosted the official presentation to the public of the popular singer Nino Bravo and his band, Los Superson, a gala that hundreds of pop music fans still remember today.

From 1943 until the inauguration of the Palau de la Música in 1987, it served as the intermittent headquarters of the Orquesta de València.

In the nineties the theatre underwent renovations to adapt it to the regulations and make it more comfortable, modern and accessible.

For three consecutive years it hosted the OTI Festival.

The Principal Theatre offers a varied programme of music, dance and theatre performances.