Madrid’s two public theaters—Teatro de la Cruz (the Cross) and Principe (the Prince)—were a dazzling source of light entertainment for the citizens of the teaming 18th century capital. The tonadilla, that started as an entremes between acts of straight plays, was a vocal showpiece for the most important stars of the day.

With Jendi Tarde, Patrick Gnage and Anna Frederika Popova, the return of Mexico’s Eugenia Ramirez and the introduction of tenor Sergio Cepeda, the stage will explode with the tuneful, danced music of downtown Madrid, staged, danced and costumed by a remarkable Spanish production team.

The tonadilla will be contrasted with the symphonic works of Boccherini and Brunetti, the courtly music in demand at the music salon of the Palace at Aranjuez.