The newly released album encompasses 18 compositions from Spanish, French and other operas and operettas; the majority of them belong to the Spanish “zarzuela” genre of musical theatre. Several flamenco compositions performed by the famous Spanish guitar player José María Gallardo del Rey, among them his song "Canción del amor", are also on the album.

"I have always been fascinated by everything about Spain, ever since I saw the film of Carmen when I was a child. My husband (conductor Karel Mark Chichon), who was born in Gibraltar, brought zarzuela to my attention.  People often underestimate this genre. To perform it well is very difficult; however, from my experience I can say that it speaks to every nationality," says Garanča.

The album was recorded in Torino together with the RAI National Symphony Orchestra (Italy) conducted by Karel Mark Chichon.

In addition, Garanča's first video-clip was premiered recently, presenting a composition from "Canciones clásicas españolas" composed by Fernando J. Obradors. The clip was created by German Holger Hage, the author of advertisments for several world-known brands. The video clip is available at the profile of the Deutsche Grammophon company on YouTube

The CD "Habanera" will be available in Latvia from August 27, and the recordings of the "Carmen" opera on two DVDs from August 31. The album can be also downloaded in mp3 and flac format from the Deutsche Grammophon website