NEWSLETTER- Madrid Destino

VERANOS DE LA VILLA SUMMER FESTIVAL This year, the Veranos de la Villa summer festival has come up with a tour of Madrid, from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, with original events for all kinds of audiences. Flying kites, dancing in a square, taking part in a public water fight, enjoying a Zarzuela by bike and much more. Keep a close eye on the programme! The festival promises to fill the streets of Madrid with creativity. And with music, of course. During July and August each district invites everyone to enjoy a programme featuring flamenco, theatre, dance, cabaret, performances, circus, and fireworks. Kiko Veneno and Martirio will be rounding off the festival at the Pilar García Peña outdoor auditorium (Hortaleza) on 29 and 30 August, respectively. More info   Summers at the Price Leading names from the national and international music scene will be performing throughout July at Teatro Circo Price as part of the Veranos de la Villa programme. Its circular hall, its ability to seat a large audience, its central location and its sound quality make it an ideal venue for music events. Some really unique concerts are scheduled, featuring performances by artists like Andrés Calamaro, José Mercé, Omara Portuondo and Diego El Cigala, Quique González and Juan Perro. Until 31 July. More info Frinje 16 From 1 to 17 July, Matadero Madrid will once again be hosting this performing arts festival, featuring a programme that includes today's most groundbreaking and unique experiences. Frinje is a launch pad for creative artists and companies as well as a place for analysing contemporary reality. This year, 23 companies have been chosen to perform out of more than 800 applicants from 20 countries. Plus, while the festival is running, there will be creative labs for actors and theatre lovers as well as workshops for children. More info     Placido Domingo at The Teatro Real From 12 to 18 July, Plácido Domingo will be performing a concert version of Verdi's famous opera Il Due Foscari, a tragedy based on the historical play The Two Foscari by the quintessential romantic poet Lord Byron. For a few days, the Teatro Real will be the setting of political intrigue and personal revenge in the 14th century Venetian Republic, under the musical direction of Pablo Heras-Casado. Dark, sinister tones will be creating musical masks for each of the characters. More info       Local festivities in August August is the month for the festivals of San Cayetano (7th), San Lorenzo (10th) and Virgen de la Paloma (15th), three of the year's most traditional local celebrations. A great time for enjoying Madrid's typical food and drink and the lively “verbenas” or open-air festivities that fill the city centre streets. The neighbourhoods of Lavapiés, Las Vistillas and La Latina are the epicentres of children's games, Chotis dancing and Manila shawl competitions, plus Mus card game championships. More info     Nights at the Botanical Garden Nights at the Botanical Gardens (Noches del Botánico) is a new concert series for summer evenings in the city. This multifaceted festival mixes generations and styles (jazz, Brazilian, Latin American, flamenco, electronic, rock and pop music) in a very special setting, the Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII botanical gardens on Madrid's Complutense University campus. Patty Smith, 2Cellos, Pink Martini and Mariza are just a few of the artists and groups set to entertain audiences all through July. More info From Caravaggio to Bernini The exhibition displays a major set of 17th century Italian paintings and sculptures belonging to the National Heritage collection. The 71 pieces can now be admired in all their glory as they recently underwent major restoration work. Bringing them together in the rooms at Madrid’s Royal Palace provides a unique opportunity for seeing great masterpieces by leading artists of the period: Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Diego Velázquez, José de Ribera or Guercino. More info     esMADRIDmagazine Madrid's free magazine devotes its July and August issue to highlighting the city's wide-ranging summer leisure and cultural calendar. The publication contains information about the Hieronymous Bosch exhibition on at the Prado Museum; the Madrid performing arts festival, Frinje, taking place at Matadero and featuring performances as well as workshops and concerts; and horse racing on Thursday nights at the La Zarzuela Racecourse. It also lists a selection of open-air terrace bars where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and escape the summer heat for a while. More info