Plácido Domingo

If I rest, I rust®

On August 30, Plácido Domingo was awarded the Medal of Honour by Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society organisation, in recognition of his exceptional service as President from 2010 to 2020 and his enduring commitment to Europe’s cultural heritage. The honour was presented on stage at the Gran Teatro all’Aperto Giacomo Puccini in Torre del Lago, Italy, at the conclusion of Domingo’s Gala concert at the Puccini Festival by Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra, and Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović. 

Returning to Spain after two highly acclaimed performances in Italy, Plácido Domingo joins Zarzuela de Ida y Vuelta at Teatro Villamarta in Jerez de la Frontera as a special guest, celebrating the rich musical dialogue between Spain and Mexico as part of the Vinos que son Ciudades Festival.

The special gala on September 3 is dedicated to Plácido Domingo Ferrer and Pepita Embil, Domingo’s parents and distinguished figures in the history of Spanish and Mexican zarzuela. The program features Zayra Ruiz, Laura Pulido, Polo Falcón, Alejandro del Ángel, and Carlos López. Allen Vladimir Gómez conducts the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga, with Polo Falcón also serving as artistic coordinator.

Zarzuela has been part of Domingo’s artistic journey from the very beginning. He has become one of the genre’s leading international advocates, bringing zarzuela to prestigious stages around the world and championing its recognition as UNESCO World Heritage. He also established a dedicated zarzuela category within his Operalia competition, helping to introduce the genre to new generations of singers and audiences.

“Following my parents’ steps, I’ve taken zarzuela through every corner of the world, and without exception, the public who listens to our music remains eternally touched by our joy and passion,” Domingo has said.

Listen to Plácido Domingo’s album Romanzas de Zarzuelas.

On August 30, Plácido Domingo takes the stage of the Gran Teatro all’aperto Giacomo Puccini in Torre del Lago for a special gala evening as part of the 72nd edition of the Puccini Festival.

After enchanting Spanish audiences in Requena, Plácido Domingo travels to Italy on August 27 for a special recital at Georg Solti Square in Castiglione della Pescaia, joined by Operalia Laureate Hera Hyesang Park and pianist James Vaughan.

On August 23, Plácido Domingo makes his debut in Requena, Spain, taking the stage at the Teatro Principal for a gala marking the 20th anniversary of the Orquesta Filarmónica Fundación Ciudad de Requena and honoring the city’s designation as Ciudad Española del Vino 2026.

Plácido Domingo was honored with the “Legacy and New Generations” Solidarity Award at the 2026 Starlite Foundation Gala on August 9 at the Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella, Spain, in recognition of his dedication to making music a legacy in the service of excellence, culture and new generations.