Drones, light show, and music to feature in America's Cup opening ceremony on October 10
Sailing competition will see Italian or British teams challenging New Zealand athletes
Barcelona is set to become a 'Lighthouse to the World' on October 10 during the America's Cup sailing competition opening ceremony at Platja de Bogatell.
The 'Match' will see the defending team, Emirates Team New Zealand, facing the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup: the Italian team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, or the British team, Inneos Britannia. Italians and Brits will compete to win a spot to face the Kiwis starting on October 12.
Two days before, the city will hold a "spectacular opening ceremony," starting at 9 p.m. and with free access. The show will be visible from the beach as it will take place in the regattas area on the Mediterranean.
"The opening ceremony will highlight the power of sport, fused with art and culture as agents of change and a capacity for commitment," a statement reads.
The show will see Castellers de Vilafranca human towers, the Orchestra and Choir of the Liceu opera hall, the Escolania de Montserrat choir, and singers Sara Blanch and Arnau Tordera.
An "unprecedented show is planned" featuring drones, laser constellations, LED screens, Avatars and seas of light all synced to musical performances and immersive symphonies, designed to take the viewer "on an emotional journey that will captivate audiences around the world," organizers announced.
The ceremony will fuse technology, art, and nature, and the sea, wind, and sail will inspire it.
"Our connection with Barcelona, its people, culture, and identity has resonated with the values we have sought to promote at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup – Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusion, Technology and Innovation," CEO Grant Dalton said.
Catalan Albert Guinovart is the composer and director of the soundtrack and has worked on a show that will "reach a transversal audience," he said.