Hollywood Symphony Orchestra concert in Barcelona accused of poor quality and alleged fraud

The Hollywood Symphony Orchestra's New Year's Concert at the prestigious Liceu in Barcelona has sparked a wave of controversy and criticism.

Social media users complained about the orchestra's poor quality, especially the sound, while performing famous movie soundtracks.

Some attendees, who paid €80 per ticket, even claimed that some instruments were out of tune or missing altogether, and that several pieces performed did not resemble the original compositions.

Adding to the controversy, this Hollywood Symphony Orchestra is not the famous American ensemble but a different group using the same name.

In an interview with RAC1 radio, one of the orchestra’s musicians revealed that this group is based in Ukraine and suggested that the name was being used to sell more tickets - a potentially fraudulent practice.

The musician, who chose to remain anonymous, condemned the precarious conditions under which the group operated: they reportedly received sheet music just hours before the performance and had no rehearsals.

"It was an amateur performance. I have never been so embarrassed in my entire career," the musician told RAC1.

The musician claimed that after voicing concerns about these conditions, they were dismissed from the group. Without a formal contract, they fear they will never be paid the money they are owed.

According to RAC1, six musicians have resigned from the orchestra in the past two weeks, and two others have been fired.

In response to the backlash, the Liceu announced plans to review the protocols for external productions.

The concert was not part of their official program, as the venue had merely been rented to the orchestra.

Amid the fallout, the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra canceled its scheduled performances in Valencia on Tuesday and at Barcelona's L'Auditori on January 11.