Celebrating 175 Years: SGAE’s Exhibition at the Longoria Palace
Madrid, June 5 (EFE) – The General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) is celebrating the 175th anniversary of composer Ruperto Chapí’s birth with the exhibition titled “The House of Authors. Where Memory Lives.” This event will take place from June 16 to July 19 and will delve into the rich history of the Longoria Palace, the official headquarters of SGAE.
The Significance of Ruperto Chapí
This exhibition serves dual purposes: it pays homage to Ruperto Chapí, who was not only a founding member of the Society of Spanish Authors but also a pivotal figure in Spanish music. The Society of Spanish Authors (SAE) eventually evolved into what we know today as SGAE. By showcasing this history, the exhibition highlights Chapí’s immense impact on Spanish culture and artistic creation.
A Peek into the Longoria Palace
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore documents, photographs, and artifacts that unveil the histories, legends, and intricate details of the Longoria Palace. This building is celebrated as one of the prime examples of Madrid modernism and has long been intertwined with the city’s cultural scene. According to curator María Luz González Peña, the exhibition aims to highlight two of SGAE’s most cherished assets: the Longoria Palace and its extensive musical and theatrical archives.
Rare Exhibits and Curiosities
Excitingly, the exhibition will feature items that have never before been on public display. Noteworthy pieces include sketches by Sinesio Delgado, a comedian and co-founder of SGAE, created for a tribute that ultimately never took place. Visitors can also expect to see the architectural plans for the Longoria Palace, designed by José Grases Riera, as well as other renovation projects that have transpired over the decades, including those by Francisco García Nava and Carlos Arniches.
The Architectural Journey
Constructed in the early 20th century, the Longoria Palace was commissioned by Javier González Longoria, a financier who made his fortune in Cuba and later became involved in politics and culture in Spain. The palace later transitioned to Florestán Aguilar, a royal family dentist and founder of the Complutense Faculty of Dentistry in 1912. The exhibition will showcase items from Aguilar’s office, including his main table and chair, currently displayed in what is now known as the Buñuel Room at SGAE.
In 1950, the palace became SGAE’s headquarters, which has since become a hallmark of the institution after undergoing renovations led by architect Arniches.
Celebrating Lyrical Heritage
Another highlight of the exhibition is its extensive collection of manuscripts and original scores from the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing the richness of Spain’s lyrical heritage. Pieces like Chapí’s “The King Who Raged” and “La Revoltosa,” along with works by Federico Chueca, Joaquín Valverde, and Emilio Arrieta will be on display. Additionally, scores of zarzuelas by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri, annotated by the composer himself, and manuscripts from notable writers like Benito Pérez Galdós will also be shown.
Engaging Activities and Collaborations
Beyond the exhibition itself, SGAE has organized a series of parallel activities, including guided tours of the Longoria Palace and the SGAE Documentation and Archive Center, located in the building’s basement. These tours will allow the public to appreciate not only the architectural nuances of the space but also the rich documentary collections it houses. Furthermore, the exhibition will feature conferences analyzing the building’s artistic, historical, and institutional significance.
For this initiative, SGAE has collaborated with various institutions, including the Faculty of Dentistry of the Complutense University, the Official College of Architects of Madrid, and the Teatro de la Zarzuela.
As the SGAE commemorates this remarkable milestone, the exhibition stands as a tribute not only to Ruperto Chapí’s legacy but also to the vibrant cultural tapestry that the Longoria Palace represents. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this rich historical experience.