Liceu apologizes after 'disappointing' Hollywood Symphony Orchestra New Year's concert

Barcelona's prestigious opera house Liceu has responded to the controversy surrounding this year's New Year's Eve concert performed by the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra.

The venue has announced that next year's New Year's concert will not be outsourced. Instead, it will be performed by the Liceu's own orchestra and choir.

Valentí Oviedo, general director of the Liceu, said that this new concert will become an annual tradition.

As part of its regular programming, the theater said it will prioritize its own productions and carefully consider which outside productions to host, ensuring they meet "high cultural standards."

The new measures come after widespread criticism of the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra concert, with many fans expressing anger at the poor quality of the performance despite tickets costing €80.

Subsequent revelations added to the controversy. It was reported that the orchestra was not the original Los Angeles-based ensemble, but a fake replica using the name to boost ticket sales in Europe.

Musicians in the band revealed other problems, including missing instruments, last-minute distribution of sheet music, and a lack of rehearsals.

Oviedo expressed concern that concertgoers left "disappointed" and with "unfulfilled" expectations.

Of the 8,662 tickets sold for the event, the Liceu recorded 151 complaints - nearly 5% of those who attended.

Although ticket refunds must be handled by the promoter, the Liceu sent an email apologizing for the disappointing experience and invited those affected to attend a free open rehearsal of Mozart's Requiem.