The Orfeó choir, at the heart of the city
On 4 January, the Orfeó Català will offer a free Christmas concert at the Plaça del Rei.
The Orfeó Català is a symphonic choir linked to the Palau de la Música Catalana. Its concert activity alternates the performance of vocal-orchestral repertoires and choral music programmes with an outstanding presence of traditional music and Catalan composers. Its artistic director, Simon Halsey, assures that "the Orfeó is a pillar of Catalonia's history" and deeply "attached to the local and national conscience".
The high level of vocal and musical preparation of its members — who, despite not being professionals, have studied singing — make the Orfeó Català an ideal instrument for the performance of choral literature composed from the 18th century to the present day.
As became a tradition 10 years ago, the Orfeó Català will give a Christmas Concert on 4 January in Barcelona's Plaça del Rei, conducted by Pablo Larraz. The performance is organised by the Barcelona City Council as part of the Christmas celebrations. It is a unique opportunity to see the Orfeó Català family live in the heart of Barcelona.
In previous editions, the repertoire has alternated pieces by foreign composers such as Georg Friedrich Händel (Joy to the world), Ola Gjelio (Ubi caritas), Mack Wilberg (Ding! Dong! Merrily on High) or John Rutter (Star Carol), with popular songs arranged by Catalan and Mallorcan composers including Lluís Maria Millet (El rústec villancet), Joan Maria Thomàs (Aubada), Baltasar Bibiloni (Nadal), Josep Ollé (Prova el fred de fer-se etern), Manuel Oltra (Els àngels de la glòria), Lluís Pérez Cansell (Però soc feliç) and Albert Guinovart (El petit vailet, El noi de la mare and Fum, fum, fum).
The concert will be free and is open to everyone; however, seating is limited.