This is a touchy subject among many zarzuela lovers throughout
Spain, and I thought I would voice my opinion concerning this here
to see what you all think. I'm speaking my mind, so please feel
free to do the same.

The prohibitive prices and conditions of zarzuela scores that the
SGA puts on most works is something that has bothered me for years.
I understand and agree with their concern for protecting the
interests of composers and their royalties, but one of the most
admirable legacies of the zarzuela is that it has been produced all
over Spain in all kinds of theaters, big and small, indoors and
outdoors, no-names and big names, with orchestra or piano, in
concert or full production, in anthology or even as a bis or "fin de
fiesta."

The concern that I and many others have--that the zarzuela is losing
its appeal among the younger generations--is not helped by the fact
that many smaller, autonomous groups cannot many times afford the
works, and if they can, the rehearsals are extremely limited because
of the conditions put on the rental of these scores.

I know of many groups that contract their orchestras for a
performance and can only have 2-3 full rehearsals because they can't
afford to hold the scores for any longer period of time. I have
often been very frustrated by the fact that I could not really
achieve a good, fully satisfying production because I did not have
enough time with the orchestra to really work things out. It was
enought to get the orchestra, choir and soloists to be on the same
page. I would have one or two rehearsals with the orchestra (one of
which being a dress rehearsal, but not onstage, since the theaters
are not exactly cooperative, either), have a run-through the day of,
then the performance that night and pray for the best.

If the SGA is truly concerned with the integrity and longevity of
the zarzuela, I believe they should lower fees and extend the limits
of use so that this beautiful art can be presented to a much wider
audience, rather than reducing it to the big name theaters with
their four-hour-a-day rehearsals in majors cities.