Classical Concert Venues in Barcelona

The people of Cataluña are very proud of their musical heritage. This is reflected in the wonderful and innovative spaces on offer to enjoy classical music in Barcelona. There are many and varied places to celebrate music in enjoyable surroundings. It is worth checking the programmes for the various venues ahead of time as it may be necessary to book in advance- tickets for good quality shows sell like hot cakes! Programmes are generally best found at the venue itself or on the venue's website- addresses are provided below.

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Entrance to the Palau de la Musica Catalana

Possibly the most well-known classical concert venue in Barcelona, visitors flock to the building in El Born to enjoy the ornate interior as well as the music. Its monthly programme is extensive and includes chamber choir music, orchestras, piano concerts and sometimes even seminars on music. Most concerts take place in the Concert Hall, with 2,146 seats. However, smaller recitals are also available in the Sala Petit Palau.

As a Barcelona icon it has played host to a plethora of big names in classical music. It is also the home of the Orfeó Catalá choir, who perform at the venue. It is renowned for its forward thinking Catalan vision which is reflected in the varied music selection- the 2008 centenary celebrations included performances from acts such as Katie Melua and Matthew Herbert. 

A Statue outside the restaurant at Palau de la Musica Catalana

Please see our 'Review of Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana' for more information regarding the history of the building, guided tours and amenities.

Palau de la Musica Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4-6
08003

Tel: (0034) 90 244 2882 (ticket sales), (0034) 93 268 4146 (information)
Metro: Urquinaona (Red Line, L3 and Yellow Line, L4)

Ticket Sales:
Tel: (0034) 90 244 2882

Website: www.palaumusica.org (this website is particularly easy to use)

Box office timetable:
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00
Sunday and holiday concerts: 2 hours before show time
Sunday family concerts: from 10:00.
Sundays and holidays: No advance ticket sales.

L’Auditori

L’Auditori Façade

L'Auditori was opened in March 1999 and is the home of Barcelona's orchestra, the OBC (Orquestra Simfónica de Barcelona I Nacional de Catalunya). It is in stark contrast to the ornate and decorative Palau de le Musica, with a modernist structure. It was designed by famous architect, Rafael Moneo. On arriving at the building, it lacks the warmth of Palau de la Musica, however, the building is an impressive modernist structure in its own right and the building was designed with the specific intention of hosting music concerts and providing impressive acoustics.

The building contains three major rooms: Pau Casals (2,200 capacity), Oriol Martorell (600 capacity) and Tete Montoliu (400 capacity). Pau Casals was designed to ensure that every audience member enjoys the same high standard of acoustics.

In 2006 the venue management announced its intention to promote and offer a wider range of music genres. It would still focus on classical music, but also offer other options. It is now renowned for its open-minded approach to music and showcases styles such as jazz, flamenco and singer-songwriter.

At the L'Auditori there is also the new Museu de la Música - an interesting option for any music lover. It contains display cases brimming with instruments of all different varieties from around the world.

Right next door to L’Auditori is the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (www.tnc.cat). This is one of Barcelona's most prestigious theatre venues. Designed by Ricard Bofill, it's definitely worth a look if you're in the area.

L'Auditori
Lepant, 150
08013
Tel: 0034 93247 93 00
Metro: Marina (Red Line, L1), or Monumental (Purple Line, L2)

Tickets:
Tel: (0034) 90 210 1212 (if calling from Spain) / (0034) 93 326 2945 (if calling from outside of Spain)

Website: 'Buy Tickets' on the website - http://www.auditori.com

Box Office Timetable:
From Mondays to Saturdays
From 15:00 to 21:00
Sunday morning:
Open from one hour before to the end of the concert
Sunday evening/night:
Open from one hour before to the beginning of the concert

Disabled Access: Call (0034) 93 247 9300 when booking tickets

Auditori Winterthur

Auditori Winterthur Building

This venue's full title is 'Centre Convencions Auditori AXA -Illa Diagonal' and it is tucked away in a shopping centre in the Diagonal area which is situated a few kilometers north of the Plaza de Catalunya. It has only 650 seats and so it is an intimate alternative to the larger music halls detailed above. Often used as a corporate venue, it is difficult to find information regarding the programming etc. They do not have their own website, besides the corporate AXA website that does not provide programme information etc., but if you keep an eye on websites for classical music enthusiasts such as www.opus1classical.com they will feature events taking place.

Auditori Winterthur Entrance

Auditori Winterthur
L'Illa, Avenida Diagonal 547,
Les Corts, 08029

Tel: (0034) 93 290 1102
Metro: Maria Cristina (Green Line, L3)

Tickets:
Website: https://www.telentrada.com
Tel: (0034) 90 210 1212

Ticket Office: At the venue, up to one hour before the concert.

This guide has covered a few Barcelona gems on the music hall theme. However, the city has a thriving classical musical scene and there are many other options to consider. It is worth checking the programme at the CaixaFórum in Montjuic, where concerts sit alongside art exhibitions and lectures. The Gran Teatre del Liceu is described in detail in our 'Guide to Opera Venues in Barcelona'.

CaixaFórum
Avenida Marqués de Comillas, 6-8
08083
Metro: Espanya (Green Line, L3 and Red Line, L1)

Gran Teatre del Liceu
La Rambla, 51-59
08002
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)

Related Pages

Sonar Music Festival in Barcelona

Music and Arts events in Barcelona during the summer

Classical concert venues - Venues for classical music in the city centre.

Music gig venues - Overview to music gig venues in Barcelona

Opera venues - Popular opera venues in Barcelona city.

Palau de la Musica - Overview to one of Barcelona´s most famous classical music venues.

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