Free classical music concerts return to Barcelona beach on July 11 and 12
Sporting themes for choir and orchestra and Dudamel conducts John Williams
Classical music returns to Sant Sebastià beach in Barcelona on July 11 and 12 with two free 'Clàssica a la Platja' concerts, organized by three of the Catalan capital's leading venues – L’Auditori, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Palau de la Música Catalana
The first concert on Thursday, July 11, will see Ludovic Morlot conduct the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC) and the Orfeó Català chorus in a performance featuring classical anthems linked to major sporting events. Think Handel's 'Zadok the Priest', the basis for the Champions League anthem, and Puccini's 'Nessun dorma!', famously performed by Pavarotti at the Italia 90 World Cup.
Soprano Serena Sáenz, mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, tenor Freddie De Tommaso, baritone Josep-Ramon Olivé and singer Arnau Tordera will all perform during first concert.
On July 12, famed Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel will lead an evening of music by film composer John Williams.
Themes from iconic soundtracks including Star Wars, Superman, Harry Potter and Jurassic Park will be performed by the Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Liceu, the Orfeó Català Children's Choir, María Dueñas and Pablo Ferrández.
The concerts begin at 9pm and are open to everyone, with capacity for up to 30,000 people to attend.
Accessibility
Clàssica a la Platja organizers have taken steps to improve accessibility this year, including a pilot test to transform the experience of members of the audience who are deaf or have some type of hearing impairment, by means of fifteen immersive backpacks.
Attendees with reduced mobility and/or special needs will be able to enjoy the concerts from an accessible area located on Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 15, oppostie the Desigual building.
In addition to the two concerts scheduled on the beach, three choral concerts will take place for members of the community that, due to their health or age, cannot attend the beachfront concerts.
The concerts form part of the 'Regata Cultural', a series of over 200 cultural activities to promote the America's Cup 2024 in Barcelona.