Benamor at MusikTheater an der Wien

31 JAN 2026: Ö1 broadcasts Pablo Lunas opereta Benamor on 31 January 2026.

On 31 January, 19:30, Ö1 will broadcast Pablo Lunas opereta “Benamor” as part of the Opernabend series.

The Austrian premiere took place on 23 January at MusikTheater an der Wien, where the production continues to run until 7 February. First performed in Madrid in 1923, the work captures the spirit of the early twentieth century, combining traditional zarzuela elements with the fashionable dance rhythms of its time.

The plot centres on a double reversal of gender roles within the royal family. Benamor and her brother Darío were raised as the opposite sex to avoid an ancient law, and their concealed identities begin to unravel when suitors arrive at court. Their attempts to maintain the facade lead to a series of comic situations that explore themes of self‑determination, convention and social behaviour.

The staging by Christof Loy brings this rarely performed opereta to Vienna for the first time under his direction. Marina Monzó and Federico Fiorio lead an ensemble of experienced zarzuela performers, joined by the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra under José Miguel Pérez Sierra and the Arnold Schoenberg Choir.

For those unable to attend a performance in person, the Ö1 Opernabend broadcast offers an ideal opportunity to experience “Benamor”.

"Benamor" Ö1

Genre Opera
Recording location Theater an der Wien
Production year 2026