Last night in Valencia marked a milestone in Spain’s cultural scene as Roig Arena hosted The Next Level show for the first time—a performance already hailed as one of the most impressive musical events in recent years. For Spaniards, this was more than just a concert; it demonstrated how cutting-edge technology and creative approaches can transform the way we experience live music. The scale, organization, and emotional intensity of the event set a new benchmark for future shows in the country.
The organizers’ choice of Roig Arena was deliberate: according to El Pais, this venue had already sparked record interest in international concerts even before construction was complete. Tickets for The Next Level sold out long before the event date, with fans waiting nearly a year and a half. Ultimately, more than 12,000 people witnessed a spectacular show where around a hundred musicians performed on stage together, and Hans Zimmer himself led the process—appearing alternately at the keyboard, the guitar, and the piano.
Musical architecture
The concert’s scenography was impressively well thought out: three levels for different groups of instruments, massive screens, and a complex lighting system created a sense of total immersion. Every element was precisely calibrated—something rarely seen even at the world’s largest venues. Viewers remarked that after such an experience, ordinary concerts seemed less vivid and emotional. The impression was further strengthened by the diversity of musical styles: from Guthrie Govan’s powerful guitar solos to Mariko Muranaka’s expressive cello performances and vocal pieces by Lisa Gerrard, who sang Now We Are Free from Gladiator.
Hans Zimmer demonstrated his ability to combine elements of symphonic music, electronics, and ethnic motifs in a single show. His music sounded like a soundtrack to life, evoking a wide range of emotions in the audience—from delight to subtle nostalgia. Special attention was paid to detail: each piece was accompanied by unique visual solutions, while certain moments, such as an aerial acrobat appearing under the arena ceiling, truly astonished the crowd.
A new era of standards
A key feature of The Next Level was that the show was not limited to just music. Hans Zimmer actively engaged with the audience, sharing stories about creating soundtracks for well-known films and recounting his collaborations with directors and musicians. This approach made the concert not only visually impressive but also informative. The program featured pieces from El Caballero Oscuro (Like a Dog Chasing Cars), Dune (Paul’s Dream), Superman (What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World), Sherlock Holmes (Discombobulate), El Rey León (Circle of Life), Piratas del Caribe (Jack Sparrow), and Origen (Time).
Many attendees compared this concert to the best international shows, noting that in terms of organization and emotional impact, it stands on par with any of them. As El Pais points out, such events are increasingly in demand in Spain, a trend confirmed by recent public interest in safety and the organization of large gatherings, as recently discussed by the head of the Buceo dam — details on how government decisions are affecting regional safety.
Impact on the industry
The arrival of a show of this scale in Spain could spur the growth of the concert industry and attract new international projects. It has already been announced that The Next Level will return to Valencia in May 2027, and interest in this event continues to grow. Organizers note that projects of this kind require significant investment and thorough preparation, but the results fully meet expectations.
In recent years, Spain has become increasingly attractive for major cultural events. Large-scale concerts, festivals, and exhibitions draw tens of thousands of attendees, while new venues like Roig Arena make it possible to realize the boldest ideas. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that demand for tickets to such events remains consistently high, and audiences are becoming more discerning about the quality of shows and level of organization.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in large-scale music events that attract both local and international audiences. For example, festivals featuring world-famous artists are regularly held in Barcelona and Madrid, while new concert venues are opening across different regions. These projects contribute to tourism growth and are shaping Spain’s image as a center of contemporary culture. In 2025, the Primavera Sound festival achieved similar success, drawing a record number of attendees and generating significant media attention. These trends confirm that interest in major cultural events in the country continues to grow.
