Where to listen to classical music in Madrid: live concerts, orchestras, and useful information

It had to be on the list. Especially if you’re an opera lover, although they also offer recitals and symphonic concerts. Winner of an International Opera Award for Best Opera Theater in 2021 and home to the Madrid Symphony Orchestra, its stage has hosted essential works such as Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Mozart’s Idomeneo, and Verdi’s La Traviata. Do you prefer chamber concerts? The Teatro Real also offers intimate performances by soloists from the resident orchestra in its Domingos de Cámara program, with very affordable ticket prices.

You’ve probably already heard about its incredible rooftop terrace, its historic architecture, and its wide range of cultural offerings. But if there’s one thing that really sets the Círculo de Bellas Artes apart, it’s its concert program. From chamber music to piano recitals and vocal music, it is also one of the venues chosen by Candlelight in Madrid to hold its famous candlelit concerts. Ravel, Haydn, Brahms… melodies by timeless composers that have lived (and continue to live) within the walls of its Fernando de Rojas Theater.

As well as being the photo we all have on our phones (most likely taken from the side at sunset), the Royal Palace is an ideal venue for enjoying classical music in Madrid. The annual Spring Music Series organized at the Puerta del Príncipe, the International Festival of Sacred Art in its Royal Chapel, and the Chamber Music Series in the Hall of Columns with the Staridvarius from the Royal Collections are just a few examples of its programming. These events are brought to you by professional artists such as the Parallel Quartet, the Ballarte Ensemble, and Leonor de Lera.

No matter the date or time, if you pass by the Ateneo de Madrid, there’s bound to be a classical music concert scheduled for that day. Corina Feldkamp, Josu de Solaun, Emma Stratton… artists ranging from sopranos to pianists and groups of professional performers are part of the history and future of this iconic venue, which also hosts many of the Candlelight concerts in Madrid, making it the perfect place to listen to all kinds of classical music. Because yes, taking a look at its program will most likely leave you with the inevitable question: “Okay, now which one do I choose?”

Although the orchestra has existed since the Spanish Civil War, the union between the orchestra and the Spanish National Choir took place in 1971. Years of history that today translate into their own record label with an extensive track record of national and international tours. Their repertoire ranges from symphonic and classical to Spanish music and contemporary premieres. With David Afkham as the current principal conductor of the orchestra and Miguel Ángel García Cañamero of the choir, the OCNE has also featured renowned guest conductors such as Zubin Mehta and Gustavo Dudamel, among many others.

The union between the teachers of the Concert Society Orchestra (the first orchestra created in Spain) and the students of the conservatory in 1903 gave rise to the Madrid Symphony Orchestra. With a history that goes back many years, in 1981 the OSM became the resident orchestra for all performances at the Teatro de la Zarzuela, and since 1997 it has been the resident orchestra at the Teatro Real. Hence its extensive operatic repertoire, although it also takes part in social initiatives such as the Orchestra-School and the Teatro Real’s Educational Project.

With Alondra de la Parra as its principal conductor, the ORCAM is currently the resident orchestra of the Teatro de la Zarzuela, but its history began in 1987, when it was founded with the aim of defending music as a fundamental right. Its staff consists of 65 principal musicians, who have toured nationally and internationally, performing a wide-ranging repertoire of symphonic music, more traditional choral music, and recent Spanish music.