Swan Lake at Teatro Colón: Núñez & Virelles Return for 2026 Season
Buenos Aires is set to welcome back a celebrated daughter of the dance world this March as the Teatro Colón’s 2026 ballet season opens with a series of performances of (Swan Lake). The production, running from through , will feature the resident Ballet Estable del Teatro Colón accompanied by the Orquesta Estable del Teatro Colón, under the baton of Nicolette Fraillon.
The return of Marianela Núñez, a Principal Dancer with the Royal Ballet, alongside Cuban-born distinguished principal dancer Alejandro Virelles for performances on and , is a significant draw for audiences. Núñez’s homecoming represents a major cultural moment for Argentina, bringing international acclaim back to the historic opera house.
El lago de los cisnes, a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire, will be presented using Raúl Candal’s choreography, which premiered in as part of Julio Bocca’s farewell performance at the Luna Park in Buenos Aires. The production’s artistic team includes Christian Prego for set design, Aníbal Lápiz for costume design, and Rubén Conde for lighting. Isabel García will be responsible for the choreography’s restaging.
The Teatro Colón, under the direction of Julio Bocca, is positioning this production as a key event in its 2026 season, highlighting both the talent of its resident companies and the allure of international guest artists. The ballet’s narrative, a tragic tale of love, deception, and transformation, will unfold against a backdrop of evocative sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Performances are scheduled for , , , , , , , and at 8:00 PM, with a matinee performance on at 5:00 PM. The production aims to capture the emotional depth of the story, contrasting moments of triumph and despair through both the music and the visual elements.
Tickets are currently available for purchase through the Teatro Colón’s official website, www.teatrocolon.org.ar, and at the theater’s box office, located at Cerrito 628 in Buenos Aires. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The staging of El lago de los cisnes at the Teatro Colón is particularly noteworthy given the ballet’s enduring popularity and its status as a staple of major international ballet companies. The production’s reliance on Candal’s choreography, first presented during Bocca’s farewell, adds a layer of historical significance for Argentine audiences.
Beyond Núñez and Virelles, the production will showcase the talents of the Ballet Estable del Teatro Colón, providing a platform for both established and emerging dancers. The Orquesta Estable del Teatro Colón’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s score promises to be a highlight, amplifying the emotional impact of the ballet’s narrative.
The Teatro Colón’s 2026 season, of which El lago de los cisnes is a key component, encompasses a diverse range of opera, ballet, and orchestral performances. This production underscores the theater’s commitment to presenting both classic works and supporting the development of local artistic talent. The return of Marianela Núñez, a globally recognized ballerina, is expected to generate significant interest and further solidify the Teatro Colón’s position as a leading cultural institution in Latin America.
Ticket prices start from US$165, according to GoComGo.com, and are available as e-tickets for print-at-home convenience or collection at the box office. For groups of two or three, seats will be allocated together, while larger groups of four or more may be seated in pairs if adjacent seating is unavailable.