New afternoon of opera in Bilbao. The kings of Spain, Philip VI (56 years old) and Letizia (52 years old), presided over the performance of the opera ‘Il Trittico’ at the Euskalduna Palace this Friday, November 29. A gala organized by the ABAO Opera of Bilbao to commemorate the centenary of the death of Giacomo Pucciniwhose pieces have marked the history of music.
The presence of “Il Trittico” in the programming of opera theaters is not very common, due to the technical, economic and artistic complexity required. It is for this reason that its first edition in Bilbao is of paramount importance and that lovers of this art will be able to enjoy an unprecedented event.
Although Felipe and Letizia are opera regulars and frequent visitors to the Teatro Real in Madrid, the presence of the Kings is also a historic event, because This is the first time that they have participated since the existence of the Association of Friends of the Bilbao Opera. -ABAO-. The last monarch to do so was Alfonso XIII, who attended a few operas at the old Campos Elíseos theater and the Arriaga in Bilbao.
Shortly before seven in the afternoon, the Kings were received at the gates of the Euskalduna Palace by the president of the ABAO Opera of Bilbao, Juan Carlos Matellanes; the mayor of the city, Juan Mari Aburto; the Government delegate, Marisol Garmendia; the Basque security advisor, Bingen Zupiriaand the general deputy of Biscay, Elixabete Etxanobé.
Felipe VI and Letizia welcomed dozens of people who applauded and cheered them behind security barriers and were later honored with an honorary Aurresku inside the Euskalduna Palace.
Upon their arrival at the auditorium, both posed with the Minister of Health, Monique Garcia (50). A few moments later, everyone listened attentively to the Agur Jaunak –Greetings, Gentlemen-, a popular Basque song to which it is customary for the public to stand up to listen and applaud. Likewise, Felipe and Letizia shared a few minutes with the singers of the prestigious show.
The event at the Euskalduna Palace for the Opera ‘Il Trittico’ takes place in one of the most important weeks for Their Majesties. It was last Tuesday, November 26 that the long-awaited portraits of Felipe VI and Letizia appeared, taken by the prestigious photographer Annie Leibovitz on February 7.
Even though Christmas is fast approaching, the truth is that the Kings have professional commitments on their agenda at the moment. Next Tuesday, December 3, Letizia will participate in an event to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Felipe VI, for his part, will be present two days later – December 5 – at the extraordinary plenary session of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce.
Likewise, the kings of Spain will make a state trip together to Italy between next December 10 and 12where they will be present accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares (52) and they will visit the cities of Naples and Rome.