A Competition to Keep the Musical Tradition of Zarzuela Alive
Zarzuela with Family and Friends was created with the goal of revitalizing the tradition of music and singing in family gatherings and everyday life. Zarzuela is a masterful blend of orchestral music with catchy melodies, rhythms, cadences, and popular musical forms, such as the Habanera Cubana and Tango Argentino or the Seguidilla Manchega, the Jota Aragonesa and the Fandango. This fusion, combined with drama, dance, and singing, has deep roots in Hispanic cultural history, making it one of the most representative expressions of our identity and tradition.
We want to share our rich genre with our families and friends.
Join us and participate!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
1.Gather your family, friends, cultural association, musical group, or company.
Minimum: 2 people. Maximum: infinite!
Choose a Zarzuela piece.
Select any piece from a Zarzuela whether a romanza, duet, choral number, or any other musical or theatrical performance.
Rehearse and prepare your performance.
You can sing, dance, play instruments, and/or act. Showcase all your talent!
Record a video.
4.Record a video. Capture your performance in HD quality (MP4, horizontal format, no text, max 8 minutes).You can film in your living room, town square, cultural center stage, or any other space that highlights your artistry. At the end of the recording, you may include a brief introduction of your group (maximum 30 seconds).
Register and send your video to Zarzuela USA Intl.
Fill out the registration form and submit your video and a picture with all the members of the group or family. Don’t forget to indicate which Zarzuela piece and musical number you are performing!
SELECTION PROCESS
Application limit: 50 submissions
Nancy Fabiola Herrera
Nancy Fabiola Herrera
Mezzosoprano
Nancy Fabiola Herrera is a renowned mezzo-soprano with a powerful voice and stage presence. Born in Caracas and raised in the Canary Islands, she trained in Madrid and the U.S. Her breakthrough came with her debut as Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera, earning her the title “The Carmen of the 21st Century.” With over 60 roles, she excels in bel canto, French opera, and zarzuela, passionately promoting the genre worldwide. A Grammy-nominated artist and award-winning performer, she also teaches masterclasses at prestigious institutions, inspiring new generations.
Polo Falcon & Clemina Zugasti
Polo Falcon & Clemina Zugasti
Leopoldo Falcón and his wife Clemina Zugasti
Clemina Zugasti Zalvidea, dancer and choreographer of Spanish dance, trained at Real Club España. Her career includes Spanish classical dance, escuela bolera, flamenco, and zarzuela. She was part of María Antonia “La Morris” Ballet and founded Entre Rojo y Negro. Since 1994, she has been a choreographer and dancer with the Mexican Zarzuela Company led by Maestro Leopoldo Falcón. She has collaborated with Maestro Fernando Lozano and presented her show Mestiza in Mexico and Spain. Currently, she advises the Escuela de Danza at Club España and directs El Barco de la Alegría, a senior dance company.
Leopoldo Falcón Stage Director and Producer Known as “The Zarzuela Man of Mexico,” Leopoldo Falcón began his career working with zarzuela icon Enrique Alonso “Cachirulo” and later joined Plácido Domingo’s Zarzuela Company. He is the founder and director of the Compañía Mexicana de Zarzuela and has produced and directed performances in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. He has worked on zarzuela and other genres at the Teatro de las Artes del Cenart and serves as stage manager for Plácido Domingo’s concerts.
Allen Vladimir Gómez
Allen Vladimir Gómez
Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Cultural y Artístico de la Secretaría de Cultura del Estado de Jalisco
Allen Vladimir Gómez Ruiz is a director, singer, and composer. He is the founder of Centro Cultural Tlatoani A.C. and the Orquesta de Cámara de Zapopan. He has conducted orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinaloa and the Filarmónica de Jalisco, working with artists like Plácido Domingo and Nancy Fabiola Herrera. He has conducted at international festivals and composed music for theater and film, including the opera José Clemente Orozco, El Hombre de Fuego. Currently, he serves as Director of the Department of Cultural and Artistic Development at the Secretaría de Cultura de Jalisco.
Marcello Pérez Pose
Marcello Pérez Pose
CEO - Chief Executive Office Of Zarzuela USA INTL
Marcello, President of Zarzuela por el Mundo and CEO of Zarzuela USA INTL, is a passionate musician who became a symphonic artist in 1988. He has performed as a timbales and percussion soloist with major South American orchestras, including the Uruguay National Symphony and Montevideo Philharmonic. He founded several symphonies and has been a guest artist in prestigious ensembles.
As a teacher, he has led percussion and timbales programs across Latin America. Since 1999, he has also worked as a cultural producer, directing AméricaIberMúsica and organizing international musical events. His collaborations with renowned artists, governments, and institutions have made him a respected figure in the world’s top theaters.
1st Prize
2st Prize
3st Prize
Honorable mention
Honorable mention
The jury will assess originality, creativity, musicality, richness and quality of the proposal, and video quality. We welcome both traditional interpretations and creative adaptations that blend cultural and musical influences.
Registration Form