Act III

The building and its stage language

The building of the Philharmonic Theatre reflects the restrained architectural style characteristic of the 1940s. Its design combines a clear, functional composition with a subdued aesthetic, close to the simplified classicism that spread across many European theatres of the period.

Over time, the building has undergone various interventions that have allowed it to maintain its cultural use and adapt to contemporary stage requirements.

Original project

Project by Ramón González Villamil, signed by F. Ruiz-Tilve Recreation of the original theatre preserved at the headquarters of the Philharmonic Society

The former curtain of the Oviedo Philharmonic Theatre

Until the 1990s, the theatre featured a stage curtain inspired by The Garden of Love by Peter Paul Rubens. A notable example of European Baroque art, it depicts a courtly and mythological scene set in an idealised garden, symbolising harmony and celebration. The presence of this tapestry enhanced the artistic character of the space, blending music and pictorial tradition into a single theatrical experience.

With later renovations of the theatre, the curtain ceased to be part of the regular stage setting, marking a shift towards a more technical and contemporary era.

© 1991 Luis Montoto

Piece by Paulino Vicente, 1944

One theatre, two muses and more than eight decades of musical history

On the stage curtain, the tempera motif made in 1944 by the artist Paulino Vicente stands out. It is an allegorical composition that shows two female figures inspired by Greek mythology. Inscribed in a circle that evokes continuity and harmony, the muses Euterpe and Erato symbolize music as eternal art.

Act IV

Interesting facts

Like many historic performance buildings, the Filarmónica Theatre preserves small spaces and details that are part of its less visible history

Traces beneath the street

The pedestrianisation works on Mendizábal Street uncovered old tram tracks, recalling the urban history surrounding the theatre.

The «caretaker’s house»

On the upper levels of the building there is this small room designed in the 1940s. It was never used for its intended purpose and today it serves as the theatre’s archive and storage space.

Performing Arts Card

The Teatro Filarmónica was for many years a distribution point for the performing arts card, facilitating access for artists and professionals to the cultural circuit.

First film screened

"North West Mounted Police", directed by Cecil B. DeMille, was the first film to be screened at the theatre.

The legendary Sala Alaska

The basement of the theatre housed the Sala Alaska, an iconic venue where banquets, weddings, dances and various social events were held.

Conscription lottery

“In the 1970s, the Filarmónica Theatre in Oviedo hosted national service lotteries, highly tense events at which young men’s military futures were decided.”

In memoriam

The actor Héctor Alterio, who passed away a few days after his performance at the theatre, left one of his final stage appearances at the Filarmónica. His voice and his theatrical legacy remain closely associated with this venue.

Epilogue

The Filarmónica Theatre today

Since its inauguration, the building has undergone several renovations aimed at improving its facilities and adapting them to the technical needs of its programming. Throughout its history, it has hosted concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and series of film screenings, making an enduring contribution to the city’s cultural artistic landscape.

The Filarmónica Theatre has established itself as one of the pillars of Oviedo’s cultural life and a place where the city’s musical memory continues to be written with every concert.