The intermezzo Pericca e Varrone, also known as La dama spagnola ed il cavalier romano, revives the comic scenes originally inserted into Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera Scipione nelle Spagne (1714). This work showcases the Neapolitan composer’s mastery in integrating comedy within serious drama and will be performed by the period-instruments orchestra La Madrileña, under the musical direction of José Antonio Montaño and stage direction by Ignacio García.
The roles of Pericca and Varrone will be sung by mezzo-soprano Sandra Ferrández and baritone César San Martín, both renowned interpreters of 18th-century opera who have extensive experience working with Montaño in leading theaters in Spain and Italy. Montaño’s long-standing expertise in intermezzi and comic operas, including works such as Hasse’s La contadina and Pergolesi’s La serva padrona, ensures a theatrical and musically rigorous performance, combining historical accuracy with vibrant stagecraft.
This production is part of the 2026 Chamber Opera Festival of the Community of Madrid, offering the public the opportunity to enjoy a unique repertoire within a cycle dedicated to chamber opera and Baroque music.
www.joseantoniomontano.com
www.lamadrilegna.com
www.comunidad.madrid/cultura