Orfeó Català | Palau de La Musica's resident choir

Orfeó Català | One of the most prestigious vocal choirs in Spain

The Orfeó Català is one of Spain's most well-known and historic amateur choirs in Spain, with a legacy spanning over 130 years. Founded in 1891 by Lluís Millet and Amadeu Vives, the choir was established with the mission of promoting both Catalan and international choral repertoires. Based at Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orfeó Català has become a cornerstone of Catalan musical culture.

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Orfeó Català history in a nutshell

Founding and early years

The Orfeó Català is a distinguished choral society founded on September 6, 1891, by Lluís Millet and Amadeu Vives in Barcelona.
In 1908, the Orfeó Català inaugurated the Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evolution over the years

Over its 130-year history, the choir has performed landmark works such as Bach’s Mass in B Minor and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
The choir has collaborated with world-renowned conductors like Pau Casals, Richard Strauss, and Simon Rattle and has performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Elbphilharmonie in addition to its home, the Palau de la Música Catalana.

History of Palau de la Música Catalana

Main performances of the Orfeó Català

First performances in Spain

Bach’s Mass in B Minor: As one of the most complex and celebrated compositions in choral music, the Orfeó Català’s performance introduced Spanish audiences to the beauty of this Baroque masterpiece. This performance showcased the choir's artistic capabilities and played a crucial role in elevating the appreciation of choral music within the country.
Haydn’s The Seasons: The choir's rendition of Haydn’s The Seasons was another landmark event, as it was the first time this grand oratorio was performed in Spain. This performance was essential to showcase the depth and dynamism of Haydn's work to Spanish audiences for the first time.

Mozart’s Coronation Mass

The Orfeó Català has had the honor of performing at the iconic Sagrada Família, one of Barcelona's most famous landmarks. They performed The Coronation Mass, one of Mozart's most celebrated liturgical compositions in collaboration with the famous Berliner Philharmoniker choir group.

The acoustics of the Sagrada Família not only provide a remarkable backdrop for choral music, but also allows the Orfeó Català to honor its musical heritage and engage with both locals and visitors

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Orfeó Català’s international presence

Paris

In Paris, the choir performed Puccini’s Messa di Gloria at the iconic Théâtre des Champs Élysées, collaborating with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg under Gustavo Gimeno. The Orfeó Català has performed in Paris several times, with recent collaborations featuring the famous conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

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Vienna

In Vienna, the Orfeó Català delivered a brilliant performance at the historic Konzerthaus, known for hosting world-class classical music events. The choir impressed Viennese audiences, with their mastery of both classical and contemporary music further solidifying their reputation as a cultural ambassador for Catalonia.

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London

London has hosted the Orfeó Català on several notable occasions. The choir performed at the Royal Festival Hall in 2015 and returned to the Royal Albert Hall for the Proms in 2017 and 2019. These concerts featured collaborations with the London Symphony Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra. Their performance of Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, showcased their exceptional musical abilities on the international stage.

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Lisbon

In Lisbon, the Orfeó Català delivered a beautiful performance at the Calouste Gulbenkian Concert Hall. The choir impressed its audience with a diverse range of choirs, not only showing their commitment to connecting with global audiences but also promoting Catalonia’s rich musical heritage.

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Orfeó Català’s role in Palau de la Música Catalana

Orfeó Català’s at Palau de la Música Catalana

The Orfeó Català was instrumental in the creation of the Palau de la Música Catalana. The Palau de la Música was built as a home for the choir in 1908.
The Orfeó Català has performed many significant works at the Palau, including the first-ever performances in Spain of major compositions such as Bach’s Mass in B Minor and Haydn’s The Seasons.
Orfeó Català is the resident choir of the Palau de la Música Catalana, performing in regular concerts and participating in high-profile events.
The choir collaborates with prominent conductors and orchestras during its performances at the Palau. Notable collaborations include concerts with the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya and internationally acclaimed conductors.

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How to see Orfeó Català

Palau de la Música Catalana Entry Tickets

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50 min.

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Palau de la Música Catalana Tickets with Audio Guide

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50 min.

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Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour

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50 min.

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Palau de La Música Catalana - Gran Gala Flamenco Show

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1 hr. 15 min.

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Combo: Palau de la Música Catalana + Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site Tickets

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Flexible duration

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Frequently asked questions about the Orfeó Català

What kind of music does the Orfeó Català perform?

The choir performs a mix of vocal-orchestral works, classical choral music, and traditional Catalan compositions. Its repertoire includes pieces by Bach, Mozart, Brahm, and Verdi.

Who are the current directors of Orfeó Català?

The current musical director is Pablo Larraz, with Montse Meneses serving as the second conductor and Pau Casan as the pianist. Simon Halsey is also closely associated with the choir as a principal guest conductor.

Can I attend an Orfeó Català performance?

Yes! You can buy tickets for their performances at the Palau de la Música Catalana's box office. If you want to learn more about them, you can take a guided or audio-guided tour of the Palau de la Música.

Can anyone join Orfeó Català?

While primarily an amateur choir, membership typically requires an audition process to ensure a high standard of performance. The choir also has sections for children and women.

What is the significance of Orfeó Català in Catalan culture?

The Orfeó Català is considered a cultural music ambassador for Catalonia, playing a crucial role in promoting Catalan identity through music. Its performances often reflect themes of nationalism and cultural pride.