Historical Guide - Teatro Municipal de Santiago

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGOHistorical Guide

in keepinG witH our commitment to tHe environment, tHis Guide Has been printed on paper from sustainable forests, tHanks to:

proJect developed bY tHe santiaGo municipal tHeater and centrodae/proJect director: aleJandra marti/coordination: maGdalena del pedreGal, Jos manuel iZQuierdo, carolina coX and mara Jess pocH/ desiGn

and GHrapHics: francisca vsQueZ calvo/2011

CENTRODAECENTRO DE DOCUMENTAC IOND E L A S A R T E S E S C E N I C A S

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGOHistorical Guide

INDEX

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO

A THEATER WITH A HISTORY earlY Years resident companies tHe santiaGo cultural corporation new frontiers

A vISIT TO THE THEATER front aGustinas foYer

MUNICIPAL THEATER INFOGRAPHICS

la capilla Hall (tenderini foYer) san antonio foYer main venue tHe staGe arrau Hall scenerY, set & props sHop

RESIDENT COMPANIES santiaGo ballet santiaGo pHilHarmonic orcHestra municipal tHeater cHoir

991010

1111

141414151516

9

11

171818

17

12

7

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO | 76 | TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGOMAIN vENUE, 2011

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO

the teatro municipal de santiago (santiago municipal theater) is the premier stage in chile and one of the most important ones in south america, a place to promote and exhibit the leading artistic talents from chile and abroad. for over 150 years it has presented top quality opera, ballet, and concerts. currently, the municipal offers more than 300 performances annually throughout the country, sharing its magic with more than 250,000 spectators each year.

its beautiful building, declared national monument in 1974, enhances the downtown sector of our nations capital and has endured the ravages of time and continuing activities to this day.

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO | 98 | TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGOAGUSTINAS FRONT, 1860

A THEATER WITH A HISTORY

the teatro municipal de santiago was inaugurated on september 17, 1857, with Giuseppe verdis opera ernani. in 1848 the government had transferred the property of the former university of san felipe, to the municipality of santiago. in 1853, the construction works of the theater began on that site with architectural design by francisco brunet de baines. its french neoclassical style and its romantic european decoration made it stand out among the plain constructions of the time. as the building neared completion brunet de baines died, thus giving the project to lucien Hnault and manuel aldunate. engineering works were carried out by augusto charme.

EARLY YEARSin its sumptuous main venue, the theater presented the first opera seasons in Chile and some of the first symphonic concerts and ballets. unfortunately, a few years after tragedy would mark its history: on the night of december 8, 1870 and following a successful performance, a fire destroyed the beautiful building, taking the life of one stagehand and Germn tenderini, the first firefighter of the Santiago Fire Corp to die in the line of duty. it was in his honor that the street bordering the theater on the east side was named. in 1873 the theater was re-inaugurated with the opera the force of destiny, by verdi. opera was the favorite genre in those days, especially those pieces by italian and french composers. spanish theater and Zarzuela (musical comedy) were also very popular.

a devastating earthquake destroyed the theaters foyer and its main venue in 1906. this time, repairs were supervised and directed by architect emilio Doyre, who implemented the first electric light system and other innovations and decors which prepared the theater for the celebration of the centennial of our independence.

the appearance of the main venue was maintained, but the foyer was modified. The building was made almost entirely of adobe, which was replaced by bricks laid over a stone foundation, topped by wooden beams. the access to the presidential box was transformed into a hall today known, for its character and style, as sala la capilla (chapel Hall).

Improved both in elegance and flair, the Theater hosted lavish parties for great occasions in santiago.

visiting stars who performed on the theatres stage, such as famous russian ballerina anna pavlova and italian composer pietro mascagni, left their mark on the cultural life of the early 20th century. around this time several chilean artists began to participate in different productions, leading to the need for resident companies within the theatre.

RESIDENT COMPANIESsocial and cultural transformations which took place in the country in the first decades of the 20th century, affected and materialized as major reforms inside the theatre, enhancing the development of new artistic genres, dance and symphonic concerts. at the same time, the creation of the

TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO | 1110 | TEATRO MUNICIPAL DE SANTIAGO

resident companies filled the Municipal with activity: ballet lessons were given during the day and choral lessons were offered every evening.

additionally, the building was renovated according to the demands: innovations in scene & set were adopted and machinery with illumination systems which allowed gradual adjustment were imported-

this great rise would culminate with the celebration of the theaters centennial in 1957, with a brilliant performance which included the royal ballet of london and the vienna boys choir.

THE SANTIAGO CULTURAL CORPORATION the increasing cultural demand in the late 60s led to the creation of the santiago cultural corporation in 1967, which became responsible for the management of the theatre. nevertheless, the beginnings of the administration were clouded by the turbulent social, economic and political times experienced by the country during the 70s and then as a result of the earthquake in 1985.into the 21st century the corporation has stabilized and organizes annual artistic seasons of opera, ballet, concerts and great pianists, along with countless extraordinary productions.

NEW FRONTIERSaware of its legacy, the teatro municipal takes on the great responsibility of cultural diffusion, taking its productions throughout the country. it has also developed important educational programs with the ballet school, the chamber orchestra and

the Growing up singing program. the february 2010 earthquake demanded a thorough repair and restoration process which, despite its magnitude, could not eclipse de dazzling performances offered during the year of the bicentennial, which included artists of such caliber as Juan diego flrez and philip Glass.

the municipal theater is a beautiful building full of history and charm. its facilities, richly ornamented and filled with magic, make of a tour a unique experience for the visitor.

FRONTthe front of the teatro municipal de santiago is an important landmark in our nations capital. its main faade, on agustinas street, has suffered numerous transformations in time. originally, it exhibited a porch decorated with a series of arches illuminated by seven gas fueled street lamps, highlighting the building at night in the dark city. Following the fire in 1870, seven arches were opened and became the access doors. additionally, a series of statues was installed, representing inspirational muses of the arts. during the earthquake in 1906, several of these features were destroyed. as part of the reconstruction, the front of the building was rebuilt, connecting the porch with the rest of the main faade, increasing its height and incorporating

a symmetrical colonnade which may be seen to this day. ulterior reconstructions, corresponding to the repair works due to damages resulting from the earthquake in 2010, sought to restore the aesthetics introduced by emilio doyre for the nations centennial.

AGUSTINAS FOYERthe municipal theater includes three entrance halls or foyers. the main one is the agustinas foyer, which in 1857 bore fine mosaics and mirrors on every wall. on one end was the italian caf, which later became a snack bar only to disappear many years ago. after the earthquake in 1906, doyre remodeled this space and, inspired in the opera of bordeaux, added decorations and statues and finished it with an imperial staircase of white marble. it was an area oriented towards social interaction, to both dazzle and illuminate those who walked into the theater. However, quick changes in fashion led to the reduce the elevation

VISITING THE THEATER

FRONT AGUSTINAS FOYER


Acceso aplatea ypalcos

Boletera ydepto. de

abonos

Acceso abalcn ygalera

Callejn

Acceso para todo

el personal y

los artistas

Sala

Claudio Arrau

Foyer

principal

Acceso para

carga y descarga

Agustinas

San Antonio

Tenderini

Salas de ensayo delBallet, 3er piso

Bodega de vestuario ypeluquera, 2 piso

Palco alcaldicio,2 piso

Foso de laOrquesta

Saln rojo

Tramoya, taller y caldera, 1er piso

Taller depintura de escenografa,4 piso

Cajaescnicay parrilla

Platea

Palco

Palco

Balcn

Galera

1er piso

1er piso

2 piso

3er piso

4 piso

4 piso

AcomodacionesSala principalA

B

C

D

E

F

A

B

C

DF

E

Talleresde iluminacin,ambientacin,audio y video,1er piso

Comedorpara personaltcnico yadministrativo,3er piso

Sistema hidrulicodel escenario

Taller de vestuario,3er piso

Camarines para los artistas,1er y 2 piso,y para el Ballet, 3er piso

Caf, 1er piso

Palcopresidencial,2 piso,para 20personas

Teln deterciopelo1.200 kg y 14,3 mde alto

Estatua delex alcaldePatricio Mekis

Camarinesde laOrquestaFilarmnica,2 piso

direccintcnica yproduccin,3er piso

Salaprincipal

SalaArrau

Escenario y foso

96 me

tros

58 metro s

28 me

tros

TEATRO MUNICIPALINFOGRAPHICS

AdministratorOffices

Red Hall

La Capilla Hall

AdministrationOffices

Orchestra Pit

Mayor`s Box

Stage Hidraulic System

Costumes Shop

Dressing Rooms

Staff

Acces

s

Back

stage

Acces

s

Orchestra Seats / 1st Floor

Box / 1st Floor

Box / 2nd Floor

Balcony / 3rd Floor

Amphitheater / 4th Floor

Upper Balcony / 4th Floor

Access

AccessBoxOffice

Agus

tinas

Foye

r

Scene & Set Shop

Warehouse

Rehearsal Rooms

School of Ballet

School of Ballet

Stage & Stage Pit

Main Venue

Arrau Hall

Scene MachineryTechnical

DepartmentDressingRooms

StaffCafeteria

Light, Set & Audiovisual

VelvetDrape

PresidentialBox

Paint & Scene Shop

Arrau

Hall

Backstage

Seats

mts

mts

mts


of the access in the 20s, providing a more modern style kept until today. this area serves, as it did before, a double purpose: attendance may see who walks into the theater, interact and comment the forthcoming performance and, on the other hand, is a transition area before accessing the main venue, far from the street commotion.

LA CAPILLA HALL (TENDERINI FOYER) the access to the teatro municipal located on tenderini street is the one which best maintains the theater old aesthetics. its high ceilings, furnishing and dignity earned it the name of la capilla (the chapel). the Hall exists as known today ever since the reforms in 1906, chiefly serving as access to the presidential box. additionally, its reception lounge, known as the ladies foyer, welcomed the ladies as they stepped down from their carriages and during intermissions. repair works following the earthquake in 2010, eased the aesthetic sense of this hall, drawing attention to its columns, lamps and sculptures, such as prologue and epilogue by nicanor plaza, and other dcor which make it the best reminder of the municipals legacy.

SAN ANTONIO FOYERthis entrance to the theater is, undoubtly, the most utilized. it is the main entrance for the theater personnel and artists, providing access to the administration offices, workshops and dressing room area. outstanding among its features are the beautiful works of stained glass on the ceiling, its sober decoration and its ceramic-tile floor which imitates the original, recovered after restoration works in 2010.

MAIN vENUEat the time of its inauguration, the teatro municipal had a capacity of more than 2,000 people, which included a large portion of standing room places and three rows of box seats framed with corinthian styled columns which, despite providing a noble appearance, obstructed the view of the spectators. from the ceiling hung an enormous lamp made of gilded bronze with wide prisms of baccarat crystal which illuminated the venue jointly with gas fueled lamps suspended at the level of the box seats. many alterations have been made since then, yet always in compliance with the original style. Among the first improvements made, stand

LA CAPILLA HALL (TENDERINI FOYER) SAN ANTONIO FOYER

out the inclusion of caryatids (columns in the form of female figures) that support the boxes and ovals engraved with the names of geniuses in the world of art. additionally, the columns which obstructed the view from the boxes were replaced by a low banister that remains to this date. The arcade over the stage was finished and crowned with the chilean coat of arms and on and the emblems of both the country and the city can still be seen on both sides. The flat ceiling was decorated with representative illustrations for music, dance, tragedy and comedy, designed by ernesto kirchbach and made in rome. since they were painted on canvas, it has been possible to recover them after the various episodes which have endangered the dome. in the 1950s, a crystal lamp was once again hung in place, dazzling even now with its 98 lights and 2.4 meter (7 ft.) diameter. the theaters current capacity is approximately 1,400 spectators, distributed in orchestra seats, two rows of box seats, balconies, gallery and amphitheater.

THE STAGEthis space is open to new technology the theater may acquire, thus renovating constantly. Hence, footlights, a safety curtain, lighted signs and a panoramic backdrop which improved stage setting were added in the first decades of the 20th century. in 1986, subtitles were incorporated for operas and, a year later, a generous donation from the Japanese government allowed the municipal to acquire computerized lighting and sound systems - technical elements of critical importance which catapulted this stage into a worldclass category. also, the mobile platforms on the orchestra pit have been replaced various times in response to the ever increasing demands for set quality. after almost 70 years, the grand drape, which dated from 1926, was replaced by the current red velvet drape that weighs 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs.) and measures 14.3 meters (46.9 ft.) tall.

ARRAU HALLOn the third floor of the Theater is beautiful Sala arrau, formerly known as the philharmonic Hall. its amplitude and good acoustics have enabled

MAIN vENUE THE STAGE


it to host concerts, drama festivals and modern music performances.

this space was part of the teatro municipals original design; however, it fell into disuse over the years and was hopelessly lost amid countless modifications. In 1927, when the vaulted ceiling of the main foyer was reduced, the hall reappeared and was used once again for glamorous parties during opera intermissions, among others. its style, though sober, has a distinct beauty that impresses visitors even today. the busts of eight distinguished composers seem to watch inquisitively from above, scrutinizing those who enter the hall which was renamed as the claudio arrau Hall, to honor the great chilean artist. it was here that the pianist offered his master classes for young chilean artists in 1984.

SCeneRy, SeT & PROPS SHOPthe municipal theater has been noted for the high quality of its productions. in each one, in addition to great artists, musicians and designers, there are technicians who intervene and thus make magic come true on stage. from the moment a scenery

project is received, it is analyzed and a plan is developed. models are drawn and sculpted, and set pieces and prototypes for props and wardrobe are made. backdrops are painted, theatrical carpentry structures are built, and complex ornaments and headdresses are made for characterization. finally, lighting is set, rehearsals take place and, when the curtain opens, the production is a single unit. for this, the teatro municipal relies on nine production departments whose teams work jointly. several departments work in direct relation to the stage production: stage machinery, lighting, set & props and audiovisual. in addition to the latter there is costumes (with its various sections) and the paint and set design unit. within the scenery center are the departments of construction, sculpture and props. the processes and techniques employed are part of a long tradition of craftsmanship that the municipal throughout has mastered since its beginnings. it is one of the few theaters in the world with its own production units, and this has enabled the theater to export its productions worldwide.

ARRAU HALL SCeneRy, SeT & PROPS SHOP

day. He decided to turn it into an ensemble of excellence including artists from abroad and inviting top quality teachers. within a few years he managed to stage a highly complex repertoire and improved the quality of the official ballet season, while turning the company into one of the best in south america.

marcia Hayde, one of the most admired and respected ballerinas of modern times, took upon the artistic direction of the santiago ballet during the period of 1993-1996, and again in 2004.

Currently, the company presents five to six ballets per year as part of the season, including debuts and new choreographies, and is the only professional classical ballet company in chile. the latter do not include the numerous tours made each year around the country for cultural diffusion purposes and other made abroad, responding to invitations.

RESIDENT COMPANIES

the resident companies of the municipal theater of santiago were created in the decade of the 1950s and its members are professionals constantly working to deliver the multiple productions in which they participate within a frame of high quality and excellence.

SANTIAGO BALLET(ballet de santiaGo)

after many attempts, the modern art ballet was created in 1959 under the direction of octavio cintolesi, and within a short time became a permanent attraction at the teatro municipal. since its early beginnings the ballet company has used the classical technique, integrating elements of modern dance as well as certain local dance features.

in 1982 ivn nagy took over the direction of the santiago ballet into a new stage. in a way, his influence on the company continues to this

SANTIAGO BALLET SANTIAGO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA


SANTIAGO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA(orQuesta filarmnica de santiaGo)

although the teatro municipal has had many orchestras since its beginning, it was only with the creation of the philharmonic orchestra in 1955 that stability for the year season was achieved. the santiago philharmonic orchestra began with approximately 60 musicians and today includes over 90. the current principal conductor of the santiago philharmonic orchestra is rani calderon, and its resident conductor is Jos luis domnguez. the philharmonic orchestra has toured throughout chile and abroad offering performances in argentina, brazil, uruguay and peru. in 2003, the orchestra participated with the municipal theater choir and its soloists in the opera festival of savonlinna, finland. this orchestra ensemble is a crucial piece in the santiago municipal theater today and concerts, ballet and opera seasons are programmed according to the orchestras calendar. it also gives many free performances for cultural diffusion and outreach purposes to students and other groups that do not have access to the concerts at the theatre. additionally, the orchestra offers summer concerts in churches

MUNICIPAL THEATER CHOIR

COnTACT InFORMATIOn: AGUSTInAS 794, SAnTIAGO CenTRO

BOULeVARD PARQUe ARAUCO, LOCAL 352 / 800 471 000

and parks in the capital city, with great success. currently, the santiago philharmonic orchestra has a wide repertoire which ranges from baroque to modern compositions, including various pieces by prominent chilean composers.

MUNICIPAL THEATER CHOIR(coro del teatro municipal)

since its creation, the municipal theater has required a professional choir. after several attempts, it was only in 1982 that a professional choir was officially created for the Municipal. under director Jorge klastornick, the choir, with more than 60 members, has received numerous awards and masters a vast repertoire, and exhibits great drama skills in opera. It is made up chiefly by professional singers who contribute to its level of excellence. this ensemble is a legacy and at the same time a transformation of what had been achieved in earlier times, shown today in countless tours, concerts and recitals.

the municipal theater choir sings with ease pieces in German, russian, italian, french, english, latin and czechoslovakian that are included in its current repertoire. in addition to its active participation in the opera season, the choir also takes part in concerts and culture outreach programs in santiago and throughout the country. it is also a spawning ground for singers, some of whom have gone on to achieve international acclaim, as is the case with sopranos vernica villarroel and cristina Gallardo-dmas and mezzo-soprano Isabel Vera. Hence, the Theater fulfills one of its principal missions, which is developing artists of excellence for chile and the world.

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Historical Guide - Teatro Municipal de Santiago