Evaluating Quality in the Lyrical Repertoire in Spain: The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Evaluating quality in the performing arts is a complex challenge given the multidimensional nature that is associated with excellence. This paper focuses on one of the least explored expressions –the lyrical genre. Specifically, our aim is to analyse the quality of the lyrical genre in Spain using a methodology that combines geometric averages and Data Envelopment Analysis to construct a synthetic indicator of quality. Starting from the idea that quality is the balanced sum of different characteristics, we propose a process which defines five partial indicators that are subsequently synthesised into three dimensions: technical quality, prestige, and originality, and finally into a single synthetic indicator. In addition, we try to observe whether the capacity restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a change in programming institutions’ strategy in an effort to maximise quality in Spanish lyrical repertoire. The findings contribute both to the academic literature and to the formulation of cultural policies that favour artistic excellence.