Son Amar remains open: Corporate and private events in Bunyola instead of big shows

Son Amar continues, but differently

Anyone who recently drove up the narrow driveway to Son Amar along the road from Palma to Sóller would have seen the big sign: operations continue. The grounds near Bunyola reopen — but in a role different from what many of us have known for decades. The spectacular evening shows with acrobatics, medieval scenes, or variety? No longer the daily program.

Family, friends and a new business concept

The management is now in the hands of Dominic Miles, son of the late entrepreneur Margaret Whittaker, and Paul Abrey, known in Palma for his audiovisual production company. The two want to operate Son Amar for now as a venue for private celebrations and corporate events. Sounds pragmatic. It is. Rooms, terraces and the large auditorium should be used for weddings, galas and conferences — everything that brings in money and carries less risk than elaborate own shows.

The site has space (as anyone who has been there knows): an auditorium for more than a thousand visitors, several interior rooms, terraces and well-kept outdoor areas. Much remains, much could be used. Whether the feeling Son Amar conveyed in the past will return completely? Hard to say.

Staff, numbers, reality

The economic turnaround does not come from nowhere. After the death of Margaret Whittaker, support vanished; the pandemic had already inflicted painful blows. As part of a restructuring, a process of employment regulation occurred: about 170 jobs were affected; in spring they agreed on severance of 33 days per year of service. For many employees it was a hard cut — and for the neighborhood a clear sign that Son Amar would not continue as it did before.

What remains, what goes

For fans of the big shows, this is not good news. Some artists, former employees and long-time visitors openly expressed disappointment at the closure of the show stage. Others are more pragmatic: an event operation focusing on private appointments typically has steadier income and less planning risk. The decision thus seems like a pragmatic rescue measure — not the romantic return to old times, but at least the continuation of the venue.

Personal assessment: In the end, Son Amar can have something like a second life, but it will be different. Instead of bright spotlight perhaps a string of neatly organized corporate events, weddings with candlelight and conferences with good catering. I took a quick look at the grounds last week — it smelled of autumn, the olive trees stood still, and three former stage workers whispered about their future at the entrance. That says more than any official statement.

Whether public cultural shows will again be on the program in a few years remains open. For the moment, Son Amar remains a venue. The big stage has changed its role — from a public show stage to a flexible event location.